Audio How to be a wallflower

Narrated by: Susan Duerden

Series: Would-Be Wallflowers, Book 1

Length: 9 hrs and 26 mins

Release date: 03-29-22

Publisher: HarperAudio

Historical romance

To review

Cleopatra was sure of herself, and did what she wanted. She was an heiress, even if by a way one should not talk about, toilets!

Jacob is an American looking for investments. Too rugged and uncut to be a real gentleman according to some of the ton. Even if he is an Astor.

They soon butt heads, and start the silliest competition. I wish I could have seen it, listening to him looking like a peacock is not the same thing. He must have looked amazing.

He really goes in for what she wants, and who can say no to that.

Good narration that made this into a fun listen.

Miss Cleopatra Lewis is about to be launched in society by her aristocratic grandfather. But since she has no intention of marrying, she visits a costume emporium specifically to order unflattering dresses guaranteed to put off any prospective suitors.

Powerful and charismatic Jacob Astor Addison is in London, acquiring businesses to add to his theatrical holdings in America—as well as buying an emerald for a young lady back in Boston. He's furious when a she-devil masquerading as an English lady steals Quimby's Costume Emporium from under his nose.

Jake strikes a devil's bargain, offering to design her “wallflower wardrobe” and giving Cleo the chance to design his. Cleo can't resist the fun of clothing the rough-hewn American in feathers and flowers. And somehow in the middle of their lively competition, Jake becomes her closest friend.

It isn't until Cleo becomes the toast of all society that Jake realizes she's stolen his fiercely guarded heart. But unlike the noblemen at her feet, he doesn't belong in her refined and cultured world.

Caught between the demands of honor and desire, Jake would give up everything to be with the woman he loves—if she'll have him!

Audio review: Chase Wilde comes home

 

Narrated by: Tim Paige

Series: A Wyoming Wilde Novel, Book 1

Length: 9 hrs and 21 mins

Release date: 03-29-22

Publisher: HarperAudio

Romantic suspense

To review

I like Ryan's suspense books. Though here the suspense came more at the end, and when it came...baam! Crazy

This is a really wounded hero. He has nightmares from his time in the army, he has struggled with addiction, and he lost someone close tom him in a horrible twist of fate. But in a moment of light he met someone, she became pregnant, and now he wants to show to her that he can be the father their daughter needs.

Shelby was so sweet. She did not have a lot of experience with men since she has a dark secret hanging over here. It was crazy. What a psycho that is in the shadows! But she is a good woman, and she thinks Chase has turned a new leaf.

They become friends, they become more. They struggle and then the suspense part comes.

I enjoyed it. Two wounded people that deserved love in their lives.

All the other Ryan books I have listened to have had a female narrator, but this one had a male. And it worked really well. He does get the male voices right, and the female voices work so well to. Even the kid has the best voice. All in all a terrific choice

Chase Wilde never expected to fall in love, especially with Shelby Payne. Years before, one passionate night had drawn these two lost souls together. Then Chase left on deployment with the Army, while Shelby raised their baby alone. Now he's back, a wounded warrior determined to turn his life around. Shelby knows what it's like to lose everything, including her own family. So she offers him a bargain: if he can prove himself to be the man he says he is, she will let him into their daughter's life...and maybe even into hers.

Chase knows it will take a lot to prove to Shelby that there's more between them than the single night they spent together. She's everything he's ever wanted, including the voice of reason he needs to reconcile his past and be the man he wants to be for them both. But just as their lives come together, she's torn away from him by a dangerous person from her past, and saving her means saving himself . . . because he can't live without her.

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.

3/29/2022 Do you leave blog comments? Do you respond to comments left on your blog? 

Of course! I could think of nothing more dull than not leaving comments, or responding to comments. It would be like talking to no one. 

Though time wise I have gotten worse. I used to respond every morning, now sometimes it takes a week.  A week! I know horrible! I used to be good at multitasking, watching tv -checking blogs. Now, not so much. But I get there in the end! One week too late.

I do want to say one thing. To actually respond to comments, make it easy to find your blog. Sometimes I click on someone and find nothing.

And yes, why read a blog and not comment? Interaction is the fun part

4/5/2022  Which books are you looking forward to reading this Spring? (April-June)

4/12/2022 What book has been sitting on your TBR pile the longest?

4/19/2022 How did you choose your blogging platform?

4/26/2022 Do you still own any books/comics/toys/memorabilia from when you were a kid?

5/3/2022 How do you feel when everyone loves a book except for you? 

5/10/2022 What are the books/authors you pick up when you need a comfy read?

5/17/2022 How long have you been blogging? And has your blog changed over time?

5/24/2022 Do you review every book you read? Why or why not? 

5/31/2022 Do you request ARCs? Why or why not?

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.

If you are interested in participating in TMST or receiving periodic emails that list the upcoming TMST topics and questions,  please fill out this GOOGLE FORM.  Participation is optional and never required.

Carole's Monday movie

Film Title: Just Like Heaven

Length:  1h 35 m

Released: 2005

Genre:  Comedy, Romance, Drama, Fantasy
Rating: PG-13
Where I Got It: Netflix

SUMMARY:

A lonely landscape architect falls for the spirit of the beautiful woman who used to live in his new apartment.

Click here for the trailer

REVIEW:

When I seen that this was coming to Netflix I could not resist revisiting this one. I had been in love with this film back when it came out in 2005. I think the last time I watched it was in 2008? So yessss it has been years!!

We follow David and Elizabeth. Elizabeth is an overworked doctor who has zero social life and David lost his wife and does nothing but drink and want to be alone. One night, Elizabeth gets in a terrible wreck. Months later, David rents Elizabeth's apartment. Not knowing....she hasn't quite left yet. 

This has all the elements of a romantic comedy. Comedy, love, a smidge of darkness, a great couple, and cheesiness. 

I love David and Elizabeth. They are the perfect ying/yang couple. I also loved how they became unlikely friends first. Well...they had no choice since she is just a spirit/ghost/ethereal being. They cannot touch or kiss or hit each other, but you can't help but love watching them go from fighting over the apartment, to friends, to being in love. 

Ooooo David. Poor thing. His wife tragically died and he just can't get over it. He couldn't save her and now all he wants to do is melt into the couch and drink. Can you blame him? The universe decided the only way to get him out of his funk was to give him this chance to save Elizabeth.  

The part with the hospital is intense...and they just let a character (will not name names, this is a big spoiler) walk away with no repercussions. As much as I would like to think the character would've gotten off scott-free....that is not realistic. LOL Much less realistic then the ghost/spirit girl. ;) Buuuuuut it was a powerful scene!

In the end, I remember why I liked this film so much. It has all you need and more for a romantic comedy. Grab some ice cream and your PJs and turn this old gem on (omg 2005 is considered old now....*eats a gallon of ice cream and cries for my youth*. 4 stars from me. 

Visa citerad text

Audio review: Dating Dr. Dil

Narrated by: Soneela Nankani, Sunil Malhotra, Vikas Adam

Length: 10 hrs and 49 mins

Release date: 03-15-22

Publisher: HarperAudio

Contemporary romance

to review

I liked this one a lot. And then I heard that voice and knew why I had picked it, yes narrated by Vikas Adam, reading Prem's chapters. Aye it was good.

Kareena is of an age , and in her community she should be married or at least engaged. Not focused on her career. But Kareena is ready, and she has standards. There will be a lot of bad dates before this book is over. It is also inspired by Taming of the Shrew. She does have opinions.

Prem does not believe in love (issues!). They meet, there is fireworks, and then it turns ugly. Soon they despise each other.

It was a fun ride. Love hate love again. And the wanting of more, true love, and yes they both deserve just that. And aunties, let's not forget the aunties!

And great narrators too! Yes I really like Vikas Adam and he is good in Prem's chapters. i have listened to Soneela before too and she does a good job here. Together they make the chapters work and they blend perfectly into each other.

Kareena dreams of having a perfect love story like her parents did. That’s why on the morning of her 30th birthday, she’s decided to suit up and enter the dating arena. When her widowed father announces he’s retiring and selling their home after her sister’s engagement party, Kareena makes a deal with him. If she can find her soul mate by the date of the party, he’ll gift her the house, and she’ll be able to keep her mother’s legacy alive. 

Prem doesn’t have time for romance, which is why it’s no surprise when his first meeting with Kareena goes awry. Their second encounter is worse when their on-air debate about love goes viral. Now Prem’s largest community center donor is backing out because Prem's reputation as a heart health expert is at risk. To get back in his donor’s good graces, he needs to fix his image fast, and dating Kareena is his only option.

Audio review: Gallant

Narrated by: Julian Rhind-Tutt

Length: 7 hrs and 41 mins

Release date: 03-01-22

Publisher: HarperAudio

YA fantasy horror

To review

I liked the Gothic feel to this. Eerie feeling in the air with ghouls and more.

Olivia grows up in an orphanage. She is mute. She can see ghosts. She wants a family more than anything. The only thing she has is her mother's strange diary. Never go to Gallant?  Then a letter arrives from a place called Gallant. Her mother's lost family calls her home.

Yes perfect Gothic feeling. A crumbling mansion. A cousin who wants her gone. Secrets and a curse. More ghouls, and a slew of dead relatives. What is going on?!

Great with spooky secrets and an awesome feel to it. Perfect when you listen to it to get into the whole feel of it.

I liked the narrator. He did a good job with catching the feel of the book, and giving life to different characters.

Good interesting book

Olivia Prior has grown up in Merilance School for girls, and all she has of her past is her mother’s journal—which seems to unravel into madness. Then, a letter invites Olivia to come home—to Gallant. Yet when Olivia arrives, no one is expecting her. But Olivia is not about to leave the first place that feels like home, it doesn’t matter if her cousin Matthew is hostile or if she sees half-formed ghouls haunting the hallways.

Olivia knows that Gallant is hiding secrets, and she is determined to uncover them. When she crosses a ruined wall at just the right moment, Olivia finds herself in a place that is Gallant—but not. The manor is crumbling, the ghouls are solid, and a mysterious figure rules over all. Now Olivia sees what has unraveled generations of her family, and where her father may have come from.

Olivia has always wanted to belong somewhere, but will she take her place as a Prior, protecting our world against the Master of the House? Or will she take her place beside him?

Review: Siege of Rage and Ruin

 Series; The Wells of Sorcery (#3)

Published: January 5, 2021 by Tor Teen

Ya fantasy

Own

I did feel that this book did not end on a high note. These books have been tough, gruesome and painful. But here there were some battles, but they all came through unscathed. Even when one was kidnapped she was safe. The book went from dark to more lightful. Which in these days is good, but at the same time it felt different from that which came before.

Isoka did not feel as powerful as before.

And Tori, I have a hard time believing she did all that.

Can't believe I say I wanted more death. i guess I should be happy it all worked out and they all lived happily ever after. So,a meh finish to the series.

Isoka has done the impossible--she's captured the ghost ship Soliton. With her crew of mages, including the love of her life Princess Meroe, Isoka returns to the empire that sent her on her deadly mission. She's ready to hand over the ghost ship as ransom for her sister Tori's life, but arrives to find her home city under siege. And Tori at the helm of a rebellion.

Neither Isoka's mastery of combat magic, nor Tori's proficiency with mind control, could have prepared them for the feelings their reunion surfaces. But they're soon drawn back into the rebels' fight to free the city that almost killed them.

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.

3/22/2022 How do you choose what to read next?

I used to have a crazy system with new books that had to be read NOW, and so forth. Now when I review mostly audio I play it cool. I put them in my calendar, and then I move things around if one of them looks better or I want to shift genre.

And since I review almost no ebooks, then the print I borrow or own, well I read whatever looks good. I like this system. I choose what to read, the book does not choose for me.

I both have a system, and I wing it :)

3/29/2022 Do you leave blog comments? Do you respond to comments left on your blog? 

Joint Discussion: Crowbones

 

Hello all! Blodeuedd and I will be discussing "Crowbones" by Anne Bishop. Blodeuedd is in red and I am in purple.

Author: Anne Bishop

Title: Crowbones

(The Others #8)

Narrator: Alexandra Harris

Genre: Historical Romance

Published: March 8th 2022

Format: Audiobook

Pages: 384

Summary:

Crowbones will gitcha if you don't watch out!

Deep in the territory controlled by the Others-shape-shifters, vampires, and even deadlier paranormal beings-Vicki DeVine has made a new life for herself running The Jumble, a rustic resort. When she decides to host a gathering of friends and guests for Trickster Night, at first everything is going well between the humans and the Others.

But then someone arrives dressed as Crowbones, the Crowgard bogeyman. When the impostor is killed along with a shape-shifting Crow, and the deaths are clearly connected, everyone fears that the real Crowbones may have come to The Jumble-and that could mean serious trouble.

To "encourage" humans to help them find some answers, the Elders and Elementals close all the roads, locking in suspects and victims alike. Now Vicki, human police chief Grimshaw, vampire lawyer Ilya Sanguinati, and the rest of their friends have to figure out who is manipulating events designed to pit humans against Others-and who may have put Vicki DeVine in the crosshairs of a powerful hunter--

Discussion:

I love these books! They are good, scary, and with the ever-excellent narration by Alexandra Harris.

Me too!! However, I didn’t even know that this was coming out! I totally missed the announcement D: Luckily I have you to tell me stuff!!

Yes, it was just there all a sudden. I do admit someone posted about it like 6 months ago so I knew it was coming. But before it came out, nothing. Which is a shame because of all the praise to these fun books.

So crazy because these are so good and I know fans like us have been itching for more!

I am happy we had more! And I want even more, there is so much that could be told. In new places too, in old places. Everywhere. I am a bit addicted.

For real. I want more too! This is a scary world and I would NEVER wanna live there, but I love this world and our folks who are just trying to make it and want peace. Dang evil humans who ruin everything. Grrrr

Ugh no, this world is horrible. I would not want to live here. Humans are stupid as fuck. They need to be weeded out. The Others are scary, but if you follow their rules you should not need to fear. But to read about it, HELL YES.

For real…..it literally is not that hard. The rules are pretty simple, but then you get baddies like this one (no spoilers) who have to just be all dumb. I would be terrified to even leave my house because I wouldn’t want to offend anyone! I’m too sarcastic for my own good. I feel like I would offend one of the Others and be eaten! And then we have these fool humans doing all this nonsense and bad stuff. SMH. Idiots. 

I hope I would be smart, but who knows. The baddies are so good at what they do. Like they stand a chance. The land itself will rise against them. You can not win stupid humans. I always get so mad that they never learn, instead, they try new things.

I was almost mad at the end. I thought that cop was going to cave and do the nice thing which would’ve caused mayhem for the town. Trying not to spoil anything…but ugh. The Others are always watching friends. Do what they want or else! LOL

I kind of want a book about The Elders, they are so scary!

Oooooo that would be fun! Maybe from one of their POVs? See how they see humans? It could even be a short story and I would be all about it. 

Yes, oh that would be so good! Please Bishop write more!

Yesssssss! Like I said I would take a short story! I just want to know more about them! Plus I think it would make us more scared/respect them more! See them interact with our folks like Meg (I miss her) or Vicki! Fun!

We have so few things to say lol. Just another great book in this series. Always fun, always well narrated. Always get me in a binge mood. 

It is always soooo hard to write a review about a really good book. ;) Ummmmmm….issues? Did you have any? I can’t really think of any for myself. I couldn’t stop listening. 

I never do it, but when I was listening to this I had my pods in while S was watching her shows. I could not put them away. I did not want to take them out. So no issues.

I honestly think this was one of my favorites of the series. Def top 3. 

I can’t choose. The Meg ones are obi epic, but the Bennet book just hits me right in the heart. And these two now, dang. Love them all.

I do miss Meg a lot but I am liking Vicki a lot too. I hope she can move past her bad past and be happy. Poor thing. I hope Meg comes to visit so they can be best friends. 

Vicki is so real. I am def not a Meg. But Vicki, ok not considering her issues, she is real, and warm. And that is why the others like her too

Yessss Vicki is so sweet and real. She has trauma she is working on (someone get the girl a therapist) and she is true to herself. How could the Others and Elders not like her? She is a good representation of the good in humans. 

Vicki for president! Lol, no srsly. This country needs goodness. And to make the Others and Elders calm down. I can not wait for more. And to you all, READ THESE BOOKS, that is LISTEN. Audio is KEY

For real! Let her run the roost and show them that this good is left in humans!! But yesssssss this series is so fun. I def prefer the audios just because the narrator is FANTASTIC. She really brings these characters to life and her voices are perfect. The voices she uses fit. 

Do we have anything more to say? Other than, buy it now?

I got nothing else except spoilers ;) hehehehe. But yesssss buy! I would say do book 1 first. You have to start at the beginning. 

Agreed. Until next time then!

Until next time!!! The end?

:)

About the Authors

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

Audio review: The hook up

Narrated by: Amy Melissa Bentley

Series: The First Impressions Series, Book 3

Length: 7 hrs and 28 mins

Release date: 03-08-22

Publisher: Tantor Audio

Contemporary romance

To review

Omg their first meeting. I was laughing so hard,I am glad I was at home cos if I had been out and listening lol. Just listen and see, hilarious.

Ellie sells adults toys. Ty works in video marketing. She needs his help to build her business. They fancy each other at once. But she is a single mum, and he has some severe abandonment issues. 

They were so cute together, and so meant to be. He did had his demons to overcome to make him realise that he was perfect as he was. And we all know that a hook up how much they want it to stay like that will lead to some major feelings. And they will live happily ever after.

This was book 3 so people had already found love in previous books, and those couples were around, but I did not feel like I had missed out. It worked great like this since it is meant to stand on its own.

Cute, and best first meeting ever.

Oh Amy was narrating! Been ages since I listened to her, I always enjoy her narrations. She is geat with voices and she does such a good job with romance

Ellie Sanders is over the fairytale, thank you very much. Content with her booming career as a purveyor of Madame Butterfly pleasure aids, she doesn't need a man for anything - except maybe marketing tips. And, okay, a few fun nights with something that doesn't require batteries.

Love, marriage, and family aren't in the cards for Tyler Hendrix. Period. The Navy helped Ty put his tumultuous childhood behind him, but when a sexy single mom walks through the First Impressions door looking to take her business to the next level, he feels his carefully constructed "never-get-attached" walls crack.

As Ty and Ellie maneuver through a minefield of wardrobe malfunctions, plumbing mishaps, and the world's most awkward accidental dirty talk, discovering they have more in common than scorching sexual attraction threatens to crumble Ty's walls for good...

Audio review: A river enchanted by Rebecca Ross

Narrated by: Ruth Urquhart

Series: Elements of Cadence, Book 1

Length: 14 hrs and 13 mins

Release date: 02-15-22

Publisher: HarperAudio

Fantasy

To review

I like everything Ruth Urquhart narrates (though I confess I will always think of Deverry when I hear her voice.) She brings so much with her accent and feel for it all. Like coming home.

There is an island where two clans fight for control. One dark side with warriors, one side that prospers a bit more. There are spirits everywhere and if you do not play your cards right they might lure you away

Jack fled for the mainland, to be a bard and forget. But now he is back because girls are going missing. Jack was this sweet young man who loved music. And he does love the Island of Cadence too, but he felt like his bastard status made them look down on him.

Adeira is the heiress of the clan. She wanted to do what was right, to make the spirits happy, to find the missing lasses.

They meet, there will be feelings and friendship. And secrets, so many secrets that people are keeping. At the end, I have no idea what the will happen next. Because there will be more.

I enjoyed this fairytale-esque book. Spirits, magic and danger.

Jack Tamerlaine hasn’t stepped foot on Cadence in ten long years, content to study music at the mainland university. But when young girls start disappearing from the isle, Jack is summoned home to help find them. Enchantments run deep on Cadence: gossip is carried by the wind, plaid shawls can be as strong as armor, and the smallest cut of a knife can instill fathomless fear. The capricious spirits that rule the isle by fire, water, earth, and wind find mirth in the lives of the humans who call the land home. Adaira, heiress of the east and Jack’s childhood enemy, knows the spirits only answer to a bard’s music, and she hopes Jack can draw them forth by song, enticing them to return the missing girls.

As Jack and Adaira reluctantly work together, they find they make better allies than rivals as their partnership turns into something more. But with each passing song, it becomes apparent the trouble with the spirits is far more sinister than they first expected, and an older, darker secret about Cadence lurks beneath the surface, threatening to undo them all.

Audio review. This woven kingdom

 

Narrated by: Kate Reading

Series: This Woven Kingdom, Book 1

Length: 13 hrs and 21 mins

Release date: 02-01-22

Publisher: HarperAudio

Fantasy YA

The biggest problem here was definetely that this book could have been cut in half and still it would have felt like nothing had happened. Because nothing happened in this one. A girl is thinking how cold it is, a prince falls in love at first sight and that is the book for 500 pages. But the last 20 pages were intense. Only for those last 20 pages I would want more. Something big finally happened.

I have thought about this for a while now. Can't say I liked the main character whose name I already forgot. She is Jinn, she is cold all the time, she is destined to be queen. She says she has heard the devil but omg please show the devil then cos that would have brought some drama.

Persian world. I do not know more than that cos we are in a city, and yes she is cold most of the time. The country seem to dislike another country. Dunno more than that.

Karem is a prince with anger issues who falls in love at first sight and thinks about her all the time. Insta love like that that, nah.

Damn but those last 20 pages were so intriguing! But gods nothing happened in this book! Too long! Less is more.

Good narration, I guess the only thing that saved me

To all the world, Alizeh is a disposable servant, not the long-lost heir to an ancient Jinn kingdom forced to hide in plain sight.

The crown prince, Kamran, has heard the prophecies foretelling the death of his king. But he could never have imagined that the servant girl with the strange eyes, the girl he can’t put out of his mind, would one day soon uproot his kingdom—and the world.

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.

3/15/2022 Would you like to be paid to blog/write reviews

Well obviously I would LOVE to get paid. I mean who would say no to money, and to make this my job?! But with great power comes great responsibility. But you know f it. I would write what I want, I would diss what I want. I would never bend if someone told me to write something else. If you pay me, you will read what I write.

3/22/2022 How do you choose what to read next?

3/29/2022 Do you leave blog comments? Do you respond to comments left on your blog? 

Carole's Monday: Romancing Mr Bridgerton

Author: Julia Quinn

Narrator: Rosalyn Landor

Title: Romancing Mister Bridgerton

(Bridgertons #4)

Genre: Historical Romance

Format: Audiobook

Published:  July 1st 2002

Where I got It: Audible

Summary: 

Everyone knows that Colin Bridgerton is the most charming man in London. Penelope Featherington has secretly adored her best friend's brother for...well, it feels like forever. After half a lifetime of watching Colin Bridgerton from afar, she thinks she knows everything about him, until she stumbles across his deepest secret...and fears she doesn't know him at all.

Colin Bridgerton is tired of being thought nothing but an empty-headed charmer, tired of everyone's preoccupation with the notorious gossip columnist Lady Whistledown, who can't seem to publish an edition without mentioning him in the first paragraph. But when Colin returns to London from a trip abroad he discovers nothing in his life is quite the same - especially Penelope Featherington! The girl haunting his dreams. But when he discovers that Penelope has secrets of her own, this elusive bachelor must decide...is she his biggest threat - or his promise of a happy ending? 

Review:

Yayy for the Bridgertons!

Here we follow Colin Bridgerton who is number 3 in the family. He is charming and the ton love him, but they think he is nothing but an empty-headed charmer. He is also tired of everyone's preoccupation with the notorious gossip columnist Lady Whistledown. When Colin returns to London from his most recent trip abroad, he discovers nothing in his life is quite the same and that includes Penelope Featherington. The girl is now haunting his dreams. How did that happen? They have been friends for years. However, he will discover a secret about Penelope that could ruin everything for everyone. 

Ooooooooooh Penelope. I love her so much! I have been rooting for her and Colin to get together. Yes, yes, I knew it would happen but it has taken years and 4 books. SIGHSSSS. Dumb Colin. 

Yes, he's dumb, but I adore him too. He is so sweet and he really is a charmer. He does get pretty grumpy here, but the boy's mind is all muddled especially after discovering Penelope's big secret. I would be pissed too. However, sometimes he was just TOO grumpy and it made me mad. Don't be a jerk to my girl sir!

There wasn't too much drama between the two...only the secret and what to do about it. That was the only real drama and tbh...it was an easy solution when it was all said and done. But the way Colin deals with it at the very end....made me cheer too. I can't say what, but I'm sure if you seen season 1 of the show...you know. What he did was fantastic. He redeemed any grumpiness and asshat-ness he had earlier. 

The narrator was fantastic as well....she is the queen. She really does rule this genre. Her voices are perfect.

In the end, this was cute. I love Colin. I love Penelope. They are meant for each other and it took a long, long times. I can't wait for the show to catch up ;) This shall be stamped with 4 stars. 

Challenge(s):
- #14 for Audiobook challenge

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The Women of Troy by Pat Barker

 

Series: Women of Troy (#2)

304 pages, Hardcover

August 24, 2021 by Doubleday

Historical fiction

Library

I am behind on reviews!

I liked book 1 better. There you really saw the horror that is war, no, we did not see the actual war, but what happen to civilians, and mostly women then.

But this was after Troy had fallen, and the "heroes" can't sail away. That is child murdering, slave making rapists who should all have their parts cut off. F them all. Evil Greek heroes should burn in the pit of Hades. They lament why they can't sail away, oh maybe it is because you threw babies down walls and raped every women you saw.

So this one is slower. Briseis who is pregnant and no longer a slave wanders around the camp and meets the other women held in sexual slavery. We also see hear the part of Pyrrhus who seems like a real incel.

A good book, but not as thought provoking as book one. For now we already know the Greek heroes are raping assholes.

Troy has fallen. The Greeks have won their bitter war. They can return home as victors - all they need is a good wind to lift their sails. But the wind has vanished, the seas becalmed by vengeful gods, and so the warriors remain in limbo - camped in the shadow of the city they destroyed, kept company by the women they stole from it.

The women of Troy.

Helen - poor Helen. All that beauty, all that grace - and she was just a mouldy old bone for feral dogs to fight over.

Cassandra, who has learned not to be too attached to her own prophecies. They have only ever been believed when she can get a man to deliver them.

Stubborn Amina, with her gaze still fixed on the ruined towers of Troy, determined to avenge the slaughter of her king.

Hecuba, howling and clawing her cheeks on the silent shore, as if she could make her cries heard in the gloomy halls of Hades. As if she could wake the dead.

And Briseis, carrying her future in her womb: the unborn child of the dead hero Achilles. Once again caught up in the disputes of violent men. Once again faced with the chance to shape history.

Audio review: Last Duke standing

Narrated by: Justin Hill

Series: A Royal Match, Book 1

Length: 11 hrs and 47 mins

Release date: 02-22-22

Publisher: Harlequin Audio

Historical romance

to review

Alas, there was no last Duke standing. William is the heir to a Dukedom, but he is not there yet, and no other Dukes are running around. Lol, I do love Dukes, but sadly none here.

Justine is the heir of one of those million tiny made up European kingdoms, I mean we have a lot. Always mountains and tiny villages. But Justine has a problem, she needs to be married and can't find anyone. So her mother sends her to London to meet Queen Victoria, and to meet a matchmaker.

And she is given matches from hell, ok not that rough, but yes these are not good matches. She is also given a babysitter to keep her in line and he is the most annoying person in the world. But we do know that those annoying people are always ones they fall for.

Annoyance, banter, reluctant friendship and realisation that they are meant to be. But insert some drama and a problem William has with blackmail. But love can overcome anything if you band together.

I always feel that sometimes her books leans more toward fiction than romance. They just to. But there is romance and a happily ever after

He did a good job. I always like when a male narrates a romance, it just gives a different perspective and it works so well

When Crown Princess Justine of Wesloria is sent to England to learn the ropes of royalty, she falls under the tutelage of none other than Queen Victoria herself. Justine’s also in the market for a proper husband—one fit to marry the future queen of Wesloria.

Because he knows simply everyone, William, Lord Douglas (the notoriously rakish heir to the Duke of Hamilton seat in Scotland, and decidedly not husband material), is on hand as an escort of sorts. William has been recruited to keep an eye on the royal matchmaker for the Weslorian prime minister, tasked to ensure the princess is matched with a man of quality…and one who will be sympathetic to the prime minister’s views. As William and Justine are forced to scrutinize an endless parade of England’s best bachelors, they become friends. But when the crowd of potential grooms is steadily culled, what if William is the last bachelor standing?

Audio: A good girl's guide to rakes

Narrated by: Zara Hampton-Brown

Series: Last Chance Scoundrels, Book 1

Length: 9 hrs and 28 mins

Release date: 02-22-22

Publisher: HarperAudio

Historical romance

to review

Kieran needs to find a wife. His parents are asshats by the way, his mother only seem to care for his older brother. And now they are all find a way, you are too much of a rake! But he has taken the rake thing too far and no one gives him a second look.

Celeste is the perfect daughter, the perfect young woman. But she chafes and the constrictions of good society. Of course some of the things she ends up doing, no thanks to that.

She will help him find a wife, and help him be respectable. And he will take her to places that are not respectable.

Obvi they fall madly in love and lust. BUT, she has a suitor, a man of high standing, with a title. And Kieran is an idiot, who is all woe me, I am a third son. Oh man up Kieran, you can still get your woman.

A ps here, Celeste's brother is an idiot too. He leaves his intended at the altar cos he is all woe is me, I am not good enough for her. MEN!

A visit to the seedier and more lustfilled places in London. And a race for these two to get the chance to be together. Fun.

Good narration. Historical romance is always more fun in audio

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

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

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