Wednesday 30 November 2022

Audio: Whiteout

 

By: Dhonielle Clayton, Tiffany D. Jackson, Nic Stone, Angie Thomas, Ashley Woodfolk, Nicola Yoon


Narrated by: Danielle Shemaiah, Nic Stone, Shayna Small, Bahni Turpin, Alaska Jackson, Joniece Abbott-Pratt, Kevin R. Free, James Fouhey, Korey Jackson


Series: Blackout, Book 2


Length: 7 hrs and 17 mins


Release date: 11-08-22


Publisher: HarperAudio


YA fiction romance / to review






Usually I do not have this much trouble with many povs, but...yeah something did not click. Maybe it was all the different narrators? Maybe I can keep better concentrated when one person does all the voices. Now there were a lot of narrators and a lot of couples. I think maybe this one would have been better in print for me.




Right, smart girl messes up and now she has to get her girlfriend to forgive her. All her friends come to help. All while Atalanta is experience a snowstorm. People get stuck here and there and we get to see different couples and flashbacks of their stories. I did want more of a connection to the main person, now everyone had their time and for me that did not work as well.




It was good, but it could have been better for me. I just lost the connection






As the city grinds to a halt, twelve teens band together to help a friend pull off the most epic apology of her life. But will they be able to make it happen, in spite of the storm?




No one is prepared for this whiteout. But then, we can’t always prepare for the magical moments that change everything.




From the bestselling, award-winning, all-star authors who brought us Blackout—Dhonielle Clayton, Tiffany D. Jackson, Nic Stone, Angie Thomas, Ashley Woodfolk, and Nicola Yoon—comes another novel of Black teen love, each relationship within as unique and sparkling as Southern snowflakes.


Tuesday 29 November 2022

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.





11/29/2022 Which books are you looking forward to reading this winter? (Dec-Feb)




Oh you know me, I have NO idea what comes out when.




As for books I just want to read and own, well I still have last years's xmas books to read. Omg, I am behind. Also I want to read the ones I get this xmas








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.




Monday 28 November 2022

Carole's Monday. All want for Christmas



Author: Michelle Stimpson
Narrator: Eboni Flowers & Reginald James
Title: All I Want for Christmas
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Format: Audiobook
Published: December 2, 2021
Where I got It: Audible

Summary: 
When a doctor and nurse with very different views on Christmas are thrown together on a decorating committee and bond over a special patient, they each learn the most important Christmas lesson: all they want for Christmas is each other.

Dr. Allison Hall is staring down the prospect of her first Christmas in a new town and her first without her son, who is spending the holiday with her ex. As the new doc on the block, she's on duty for the Christmas shift and glad of it. When one of her favorite patients lands back in the hospital, and it looks like this might be his last Christmas, she hopes she can help connect him to his estranged daughter.

Dante Price thinks Allison should mind her own business. He's a nurse—and admittedly a bit of a Christmas Scrooge. But when he gets put on a decorating committee with Christmas-loving Dr. Allison, he starts to see the holiday in a new light.

Soon the two are working together to deck the halls with boughs of holly—but can they pull off a Christmas miracle and reunite a father and daughter?


Review:
Tis the season! I couldn't resist this one. That cover....that title....a doctor and a nurse....a scrooge and someone who loves Xmas....see? How can you resist?

Dr. Allison Hall loves Christmas, but she is staring down the prospect of her first Christmas in a new town and being alone. Her son is spending the holiday with her ex and her mom is on vacation. When one of her favorite patients lands back in the hospital, she is saddened because this looks like it might be his last. She hopes she can reconnect him with his estranged daughter. Dante, the nurse, feels like she should mind her own business. He doesn't care for Christmas, but he somehow gets put on the decorating committee with Allison. Soon the two are working together to decorate and create a Christmas miracle. 

So much fun! This has everything a good Xmas love story needs and more. This would be a cute Netflix Xmas movie (hint...hint Netflix gods). 

I do wish this was longer! I want to see them flourish as a couple. It worked good for the length, but I am just greedy and want more time with them. Maybe a sequel?

My only issue was that I did want to understand WHY a certain character changed their mind. I would've liked a conversation. Didn't have to be long, but one can only assume and I don't like assuming.

But yes, quick and sweet. Loved seeing this couple come together. 

The ending was perfect. 

The narrators were fantastic. Both perfect for their characters. 

All-in-all, this was a nice novella to start the Xmas season! It has everything you need. Sweet, thoughtful, and a cute couple. 4 stars.








Challenge(s):
- #53 for Audiobook challenge

Saturday 26 November 2022

Saturday Movie: Christmas with you

 




This month we decided to review 'Christmas with You'.


I am in green and Carole is in red.



Title:  Christmas with You
Genre: Romance, Comedy, Family
Released: 2022
Rating: PG-13
Site: On Netflix 


Follows a pop star who's got a career burnout and escapes to a small town where she finds not only inspiration but a shot of love.

Click here for the trailer. 






DISCUSSION:
It’s Xmas time people! Woot woot!


It is finally Xmas movie time!


Yesss! This was my first one of the year so far. Can’t wait to watch more! This was a nice movie to start the holiday off. 


When it comes to xmas movies I can forgive fast and easy love, I mean it is xmas. They do not have a lot of time so if they are suddenly in love, good for them ;)


LOL yep! They have like a week before Xmas so they have to fall in love quickly. I like to think it is a Xmas miracle ;) Santa is cupid!


Omg, Santa is Cupid! Who needs V days when you have Santa. Srsly I just read a book with pretty much that premise ;)


That is hilarious!! But yessss who needs V Day???? I loved this whole premise…they were so obviously perfect for each other. And I loved how they came together. She needed a perfect Xmas song…so she found a wholesome family with a music-loving daughter and Dad. 


She found love and found a family at the same time. Perfect, and omg why did she even bother with that ex. Likes are not that important.


Yesss! So perfect! And that grandma was the cherry on top. LOL. And yesss f that ex of hers. TBH she would’ve gotten more followers and etc when they broke up. People love a good scandal. 


Yes that scandal is more juicy than that boring guy. I am glad she found someone better.


For real! I even think the ex was secretly relieved. He didn’t fight for her at all to stay. Let him date that new popular girl. She deserves love. Maybe they would be happier.


He can chase likes, she found real love. Even if I must admit that FP JR was a bit dull at times, just sayin’


Oh for sure. And dating that new up-and-comer girl will give him what he wants. Plus I’m sure she wants likes too. Ugh. Thank you for saying it….I felt bad thinking about it. FP JR was a bit dull, but……he was a boring school teacher. I wish he would’ve done…something? Maybe they needed more passion earlier on or something. Not his finest acting. 



Phew, yes! He was rather dull. I wanted a bit more passion from him. More anything really. But I did like the end, they felt normal and relaxed. But…but bit full yeah


She had the sexy thing going so it would’ve made sense that he could have drooled more over her? IDK…something.



Ok, I think they need to make a bit more spicy xmas movie, lol. Just damn, passion people. Xmas passion.


Yesss maybe add 10 extra minutes to give it more passion and spice!! I didn’t feel the lust or love until near the end. :/


Yes! I do like that they are all cute and such, but I do want to feel smth before the end. Hear that netflix?! Gives us a smexy xmas movie too. Like at least 2 kisses in it.


They had the perfect scene for the first kiss…under all the lights and whatnot…wasted!! Wasted scene!! Kiss and then have her have inspiration. Sighssss. 


I never realised how chaste xmas movies are! =_= Perfect setting for that first kiss. How did they even make that baby in the xmas prince movies? Because people obvi never do anything in these movies


Super chaste! But normally I can feel their connection and love more. I’m sure the smex is boring af, but they love each other! I didn’t feel the love as much as normal here…not until the very end. 


Total boring, but they are happy so that’s good haha. I did like the movie, but slooow connection. I blame the guy


Same here. It was cute and funny and sweet and chaste and music and so cheesy! Yeaaah I’m sure she would’ve made out with him earlier if he made ANY sort of move. He was all “I’m a boring teacher dad”. LOL


Aye, boring teacher dad. Maybe she will bring some spice into his life. Poor guy is in a rut


Maybe we’ll get a sequel? See some more spice and passion? I can see they will have issues in the future. She is still a star and he is still boring. I would watch a sequel.


Hmm, yes, she gets this other big chance…no, he gets a big chance with his old band! And maybe becomes less boring.


Yessss! I am game for a second movie. He deserves to have some joy…he needs to take more risks and not be boring. She needs to slow down. The second movie can be about them finding a happy middle. 


Let’s say cheers to that!'


Hopefully Netflix is listening ;) 


They need to hire us


Yes! We could make them a lot of money and good stuff hahaha. 


So much money, and I might not give FP another chance. Sorry man. Oh he could be the boing guy that gets dumped!


Hahaha. Yes! Maybe marry the neighbor or something. ;) 
Or a bandmate!


We are on fire. Lol. I would honestly love to make a xmas movie


That would be fun!!!!


The end for now?


Yep! The end for now. I gotta clean my kitchen from Turkey Day. Maybe watch another xmas movie while doing that ;)

Thursday 24 November 2022

The Autumn Republic by Brian McClellan

 

Series: Powder Mage (#3)


Format: 580 pages, Hardcover


Published: February 10, 2015 by Orbit


Fantasy / Own




Re-read: 


Same feelings as the first time around. I did feel this one was the weakest link. It was still good, but not as amazing as the first two. The war was coming to the end and well I just liked being in the thick of things.





And as it ends as it does, damn, I feel like I should re'read his other series now!






The capital has fallen...

Field Marshal Tamas returns to his beloved country to find that for the first time in history, the capital city of Adro lies in the hands of a foreign invader. His son is missing, his allies are indistinguishable from his foes, and reinforcements are several weeks away.




An army divided...

With the Kez still bearing down upon them and without clear leadership, the Adran army has turned against itself. Inspector Adamat is drawn into the very heart of this new mutiny with promises of finding his kidnapped son.




All hope rests with one...

And Taniel Two-shot, hunted by men he once thought his friends, must safeguard the only chance Adro has of getting through this war without being destroyed...


Wednesday 23 November 2022

Children of Ragnarok by Cinda Williams Chima


Narrated by: Jennifer Jill Araya


Length: 17 hrs and 21 mins


Release date: 11-08-22


Publisher: HarperAudio


YA Fantasy /to review





Eiric and Liv get in trouble with their stepdad's relatives. But he and they are aholes after all. And now Eiric is charged for murder, and no way out.




Set after Ragnarrok, the gods are dead. Magic is disappearing. Monsters are less seen (I mean that is good and all). And some says they gods might come back. Oh, that I actually want, hey give is that!




I kept wondering this one thing, why is he called Halvorson, when his dad's name is Leif? You get your dad's name, not inherit some older name. That's like only 200 years old. Yes, things like that bug me.




Then there is Reggin, a slave with a weird master. I wonder about that, is this so YA that he will suddenly turn nice, or become a love interest? That would be bad.




Anyway, these all will meet and all Hel will break loose. Because there is still magic in the world, and so much more.




It was long, lots happened. I do not want to say too much. I did hope to hear something about wakening gods, but sadly not. Maybe in the next one.




I did like it, and I wonder what will happen next. Not something good. Things turned out really really bad.




Good narration. Everyone had good voices that I always knew who was where and when





Since Ragnarok—the great war between the gods and the forces of chaos—the human realm of the Midlands has become a desperate and dangerous place, bereft of magic.




Sixteen-year-old Eiric Halvorsen is among the luckier ones—his family has remained prosperous. But he stands to lose everything when he’s wrongly convicted by a rigged jury of murdering his modir and stepfadir. Also at risk is Eiric’s half-systir, Liv, who’s under suspicion for her interest in seidr, or magic. Then a powerful jarl steps in: He will pay the blood price if Eiric will lead a mission to the fabled Temple at the Grove—the rich stronghold of the wyrdspinners, the last practitioners of sorcery.




Spellsinger, musician, and runecaster Reginn Eiklund has spent her life performing at alehouses for the benefit of her master, Asger, a fire demon she is desperate to escape. After one performance that amazes even herself, two wyrdspinners in the audience make Reginn an irresistible offer: return with them to the Temple to be trained in seidr, forever free of Asger.




Eiric’s, Liv’s, and Reginn’s journeys converge in New Jotunheim, a paradise fueled by magic and the site of the Temple. They soon realize that a great evil lurks beneath the dazzling surface and that old betrayals and long-held grudges may fuel another cataclysmic war. It will require every gift and weapon at their command to prevent it.


Tuesday 22 November 2022

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.




11/22/2022 Tell us about your favorite books as a kid.





So...I should know this right? What do we count as a kid? I remember listening to audiotapes as a kid, and I freaking loved them! Greek mythology, I fell asleep to those and I was not that old. No wonder I like fantasy now. I also read all the mythology books I could when I could read. Other kids read about ponies, I read about Gods




There was also this Norwegian book about a girl in the viking age. And I loved that book. I later found it at a library book sale and had to get it. I should re-read it.






11/29/2022 Which books are you looking forward to reading this winter? (Dec-Feb)











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.




Monday 21 November 2022

Carole's Monday: Dangerous Magic by Monica Fairview

 



Author: Monica Fairview
Narrator: Jennifer M. Dixon
Title: Dangerous Magic
Series: Mr. Darcy's Magic #1
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Retelling, Historical fiction, Fantasy
Format: Audiobook
Published: September 28, 2021
Where I got It: Audible 

Summary: 
A sparkling tale of Regency England, a forced marriage, and two magicians who must work together to save the Kingdom.

Elizabeth Bennet is stunned when someone from the Royal Mage Academy comes to her peaceful country home to take her away. She is even more bewildered when she is commanded to marry a powerful gentleman by the name of Fitzwilliam Darcy. She has always dreamed of marrying for love, and an arranged marriage with an arrogant stranger was never part of her plans.

Fitzwilliam Darcy is equally dissatisfied with this match. An obscure young lady from the middle of nowhere is hardly worthy of his position. But Darcy and Elizabeth have no choice in the matter. Uniting their two forms of magic is essential if they are to defeat Napoleon's magicians. They may dislike each other on sight, but Elizabeth and Darcy have to overcome their differences and find common ground before it is too late.

Fortunately, it is not long before the sparks begin to fly between them



Review:
Been itching to check this one out! I've seen a lot of reviews loving it. Magic and Darcy? Okay. Sign me up!

Elizabeth Bennet is stunned and a little mad when someone from the Royal Mage Academy comes to take her away. She is forced to marry a powerful gentleman and be his partner. She has always dreamed of marrying for love. Darcy is equally dissatisfied with this match. She is a nobody from the middle of nowhere and did not get formally trained. She is not worthy of being his equal and partner....and especially taking the title of Mrs Darcy. They may dislike each other but they have to work together for the good of England. 

This was a lot of fun. I loved seeing everything flipped around on them. They are married and have to learn to like each other, see past the flaws, and fall in love. 

I am sad we didn't get to see Jane and Mr Bingley! Maybe book 2 they will finally meet and fall in loveeeee. But yes, I'm really sad! They are such a cute couple and they are both adorable. Hopefully book 2 *fingers crossed*

I also loved seeing Caroline calm down. She was still snooty and rude...but she was actually palatable. I hope she gets a HEA. 

The magic additional was done wonderfully! It was woven in perfectly. It made sense and I hope we learn more soon especially with Elizabeth shaking things up! England is so stuffy and needs to change things up or they will lose against the French. I feel like the Bennets will save England at this rate hahaha. Can't wait to see what happens next. 

Ooooo that twist at the end was good. I knew it had to be something like that...but I couldn't put my finger on it. I guessed the who and the why...but the HOW? Mmmm. 

The narrator was good. Her male voices fit well and they were different enough to work. 

In the end, this was a fun P&P variation. Magic, danger, romance, friendship, and a good twist. I can't wait to dive into book 2. I'll stamp this with 4 stars. 





Challenge(s):
- #51 for Audiobook challenge

Friday 18 November 2022

The crimson campaign by Brian McClellan

 

Series: Powder Mage (#2)


Format: 596 pages


Published: May 6, 2014 by Orbit


Fantasy/own




I read and loved these years ago. But I borrowed them from the library, and I wanted to own them. So this year I decided to finally do that. I bought them, and I started to re-read




Omg, just as amazing as the first time I read it. Yes this series stood the test of time *ahem, ok a few years, but hey still!* Love it. Go Tamas! Taniel, my man. Just great fantasy.






Tamas's invasion of Kez ends in disaster when a Kez counter-offensive leaves him cut off behind enemy lines with only a fraction of his army, no supplies, and no hope of reinforcements. Drastically outnumbered and pursued by the enemy's best, he must lead his men on a reckless march through northern Kez to safety, and back over the mountains so that he can defend his country from an angry god. In Adro, Inspector Adamat only wants to rescue his wife. To do so he must track down and confront the evil Lord Vetas. He has questions for Vetas concerning his enigmatic master, but the answers might come too quickly. With Tamas and his powder cabal presumed dead, Taniel Two-shot finds himself alongside the god-chef Mihali as the last line of defence against Kresimir's advancing army. Tamas's generals bicker among themselves, the brigades lose ground every day beneath the Kez onslaught, and Kresimir wants the head of the man who shot him in the eye.


Thursday 17 November 2022

Audio: How to excavate a heart

Narrated by: Hope Newhouse


Length: 8 hrs and 38 mins


Release date: 11-01-22


Publisher: HarperAudio


YA fiction romance to review






 It looked xmassy so I thought it would fit the soon season to be.




Shani is still getting over a bad breakup. She took an internship in DC over the holidays to get away.




And then she meets May. Friendship, feelings, and the start of something new. All while she is trying to come to terms with the feelings of her old relationship.




Not an xmassy book in that sense, since she does not celebrate it. But you know the whole December feeling and with a snowstorm that gives some forced proximity.




I enjoyed the book. Short, easy and with something that will turn out just right.




Good narration with a new to me narrator. She did well with different voices and moods. An easy voice to listen to and one I would listen to again





It all starts when Shani runs into May. Like, literally. With her mom’s Subaru. Attempted vehicular manslaughter was not part of Shani’s plan. She was supposed to be focusing on her monthlong paleoichthyology internship. She was going to spend all her time thinking about dead fish and not at all about how she was unceremoniously dumped days before winter break.




But when a dog-walking gig puts her back in May’s path, the fossils she’s meant to be diligently studying are pushed to the side—along with the breakup.




Then they’re snowed in together on Christmas Eve. As things start to feel more serious, though, Shani’s hurt over her ex-girlfriend’s rejection comes rushing back. Is she ready to try a committed relationship again, or is she okay with this just being a passing winter fling?


Wednesday 16 November 2022

Until the last of me - Sylvain Neuvel


Series; Take Them to the Stars (#2)


Format; 304 pages, Hardcover


Published March 17, 2022 by Michael Joseph


Scifi/ His fic / library





I was not that keen on book 1, but it was still really compelling and I could not let it go. So I read more.




Mia and her daughter is on the run. Just as all women before them have done for the last 3000 years. Oh and they are all clones of each other. And aliens. And the men hunting them are also the same race that want their people to come there.




Always run. Avoid the psychotic men hunting them. Give knowledge to mankind, oh and find that bloody thing that the hunters are after.




Yes this one was better and now I really want book 3, cos damn...damn! Damn






Over 100 generations, Mia's family has shaped Earth's history to push humanity to the stars, making brutal, wrenching choices along the way. And now Mia finds herself about to help launch the first people into space. She can't take them to the stars, not quite yet. But with her adversary almost upon her, and with the future of the planet at stake it's becoming clearer that obeying the First Rule is no longer an option.  For the first time since her line's first generation, Mia will have to choose to stand her ground, knowing that the overwhelming odds mean that she risks not only her bloodline, but also the future of the human race.


A darkly satirical thriller, as seen through the eyes of the women who sacrifice all to make progress possible and the men who are determined to stop them...


Always run, never fight.

Preserve the knowledge.

Survive at all cost.

Take them to the stars.


Tuesday 15 November 2022

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.




11/15/2022 What activity that you've read a character doing in a book have you dreamed of trying?




Ehhhhhhhh.....*thinks really hard*


Nothing?


Marry a hot billionaire? LOL







11/22/2022 Tell us about your favorite books as a kid.

11/29/2022 Which books are you looking forward to reading this winter? (Dec-Feb)











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.




Monday 14 November 2022

Carole's Monday



Author: Patricia Briggs
Narrator: Lorelei King
Title: Fire Touched
Series: Mercy Thompson World Series #13 & Mercy Thompson #9
Genre: UF, Fantasy & Paranormal Romance
Format: Audiobook
Published: March 8, 2016
Where I got It: Audible 

Summary: 
Tensions between the fae and humans are coming to a head. And when coyote shapeshifter Mercy and her Alpha werewolf mate, Adam, are called upon to stop a rampaging troll, they find themselves with something that could be used to make the fae back down and forestall out-and-out war: a human child stolen long ago by the fae.

Defying the most powerful werewolf in the country, the humans, and the fae, Mercy, Adam, and their pack choose to protect the boy no matter what the cost. But who will protect them from a boy who is fire touched?



Review:
Literally can't get enough of this series! Especially I adore Mercy and Adam. They are the best. 

Things continue with tensions continuing to raise between the Fae and the humans. When Mercy and her husband, Adam, are called upon to stop a rampaging troll...they find themselves with something that could be used to make the Fae back down and stop the brewing war. They find themselves a human child that was stolen long ago by the Fae. They decide to defy the most powerful werewolf in the country, the humans, and even the Fae. 

I actually started reading this via an ebook from my library. Got sidetracked and too busy at work and social stuff...so it expired and I would be in the waiting line for a LONG time. Luckily I found this on Audible for free so I instantly downloaded it and finished it up. So I did about 45% ebook and then 55% audio. Both worked well!

Good lord Mercy is always finding all the trouble all the time. She doesn't mean to, but she has a heart of gold!

I love Adam and I loved him, even more, when he finally had enough of those prejudiced against his mate. Get 'em! She a gem and they are lucky she is part of the pack!

There was a lot going on here. Between the troll, the Fae (some good...some evil), dumb humans, and politics. You will for sure need to read the last couple of books. There is a lot finally coming to the surface. War is around the corner and it is going to be BAD if they do not calm the flames. I literally am unaliving over here! I want to read the next one so bad!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The narrator was fantastic as per normal, but I was enjoying this equally with the book. Both are good!

But yes, this was good. Very good! I can't wait to get started on the next someday. 5 stars from me. This series is fantastic. 









Challenge(s):
- #50 for Audiobook challenge

Friday 11 November 2022

Heartstrikers time 4

 


X: Did you really listen to Nice dragons again!?


Me: I sure did!


X: And this is the ? time


Me.: 4th time listening. Go Dragons!


X: But seriously, how can it still be good?


Me: Oh it only gets better with time.


X. Why?


Me. The story, oh and the very excellent narration by Vikas Adam. I might love him.


Go listen now :D




As the smallest dragon in the Heartstriker clan, Julius survives by a simple code: keep quiet, don’t cause trouble, and stay out of the way of bigger dragons. But this meek behavior doesn't fly in a family of ambitious magical predators, and his mother, Bethesda the Heartstriker, has finally reached the end of her patience.


Now, sealed in human form and banished to the DFZ--a vertical metropolis built on the ruins of Old Detroit--Julius has one month to prove that he can be a ruthless dragon or kiss his true shape goodbye forever. But in a city of modern mages and vengeful spirits where dragons are considered monsters to be exterminated, he’s going to need some serious help to survive this test.


He only hopes humans are more trustworthy than dragons...




Narrated by: Vikas Adam


Series: Heartstrikers, Book 1


Length: 13 hrs and 31 mins


Release date: 11-18-14


Publisher: Audible Studios


Urban fantasy /own




Thursday 10 November 2022

Lapvona by Otessa Mosfegh


Format: 320 pages, Paperback


Published: June 21, 2022 by Penguin USA


Historical fiction /library





How on earth did I forget to review this book? Hell, even forget to put it on goodreads?! I did put it on insta, but here nope. And this truly is a book that should have been reviewed 1 month ago.




This book was all kinds of fucked up and to even explain it. Like wtf? Horror, historical fiction, and just disgusting. But also really well written. And I can not do it justice trying to write a review this much later.




There is really dark stuff like cannibalism, rape, torture, , and in all of this one boy is doing his best to survive the dark middle ages.




And most people in this book suck too. But why is it good? Hell I know. it just was just...yes like watching a morbid train wreck that you can't take your eyes off.





Little Marek, the abused and delusional son of the village shepherd, never knew his mother; his father told him she died in childbirth. One of life’s few consolations for Marek is his enduring bond with the blind village midwife, Ina, who suckled him as a baby, as she did so many of the village’s children. Ina’s gifts extend beyond childcare: she possesses a unique ability to communicate with the natural world. Her gift often brings her the transmission of sacred knowledge on levels far beyond those available to other villagers, however religious they might be. For some people, Ina’s home in the woods outside of the village is a place to fear and to avoid, a godless place.




Among their number is Father Barnabas, the town priest and lackey for the depraved lord and governor, Villiam, whose hilltop manor contains a secret embarrassment of riches. The people’s desperate need to believe that there are powers that be who have their best interests at heart is put to a cruel test by Villiam and the priest, especially in this year of record drought and famine. But when fate brings Marek into violent proximity to the lord’s family, new and occult forces upset the old order. By year’s end, the veil between blindness and sight, life and death, the natural world and the spirit world, civility and savagery, will prove to be very thin indeed.


Wednesday 9 November 2022

Carole's Wednesday: The secret princess

 



Author: Melanie Cellier
Title: The Secret Princess - A Retelling of The Goose Girl
Series: Return to the Four Kingdoms #1
Genre: Fantasy, YA, Romance, Fiction, Retelling, 
Format: ebook
Pages: 317 
Published: May 22, 2020
Where I Got It: My shelf (Amazon)

Summary: 
Princess Giselle is excited to be leading her first royal delegation--until everything goes wrong before they even reach their destination. With her rank and authority stripped away and her people scattered, she's left with nothing but a gaggle of geese.

Giselle is determined to prove herself a true princess--in action as well as in name. But to do so she must uncover a conspiracy that threatens far more than her own future. With her life in danger and only a talking horse and an irritable goose boy at her side, she needs assistance. One of the servants is willing to help her, but Philip's attractive smile hides yet more secrets, and Giselle is running out of time.

In this reimagining of the classic fairy tale, The Goose Girl, the wronged princess must prevail in a deadly game of identities with the fate of kingdoms at stake.


Review:
This was a book a friend shared with me that was a freebie for a bit. Finally getting to it!

We follow Princess Giselle is who excited to be leading her first royal delegation. She is ready to earn her title. However...everything goes wrong before they even reach the final destination. With her rank and authority stripped away by a curse...she is left with only a gaggle of geese. She is determined to prove herself a true princess and save herself from her curse. With her talking horse and a servant named Phillip...maybe this can happen. 

Gotta love retellings! They are always fun to see what the author changes...adds...etc. 

This was fun, but it felt super familiar. Did I read this before? I checked Goodreads and it doesn't appear that I have. I have read a different retelling...so maybe that is it? Mmmm it was bugging me the whole time. A lot of the "twists" I saw coming a mile away. 

Poor Giselle...she was easily tricked. 

I liked Phillip a lot, but you could tell he had a secret. Won't spoil what though. 

I loved the horse! He had me chuckling. 

This was a quick read and it was fun. It was super duper YA so be warned there. 

In the end, this was a fun retelling. It seems so familiar, but I don't think I read this version before. It is YA and pretty predictable, but still fun at the end of the day. 3 stars from me. 







Tuesday 8 November 2022

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.





11/8/2022 Do you belong to any book clubs? 




Yes! One! :D My library has this English book club and we just kept on doing it.  It is perfect for me since I refuse to read other books than English ones ;)






11/15/2022 What activity that you've read a character doing in a book have you dreamed of trying?

11/22/2022 Tell us about your favorite books as a kid.

11/29/2022 Which books are you looking forward to reading this winter? (Dec-Feb)











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.




Monday 7 November 2022

The next best day by Sharon Sala


Narrated by Amy Rubinate


Publication date Nov 8, 2022


Running time 11 hrs


Publisher. Tantor Audio


Romantic fiction / to review




This was romantic fiction with really dark undertones, so dark that I wanted to cry several times. It was one of the toughest beginnings I have read.




It starts with a school shooting, very traumatic, and Katie suffers from ptsd for the rest of the book. That, together with her fiance leaving her, makes her move to a small town. To see if she can ever teach again.




Bad things happens in small towns too, though this time at least not to her. Just crime gone bad.




But she finds a new meaning in life. New strength, and a budding romance with the hot single dad across the street.




Very low on actual romance, and more on dramatic relationships and suspense here and there. But there is a HEA. And she so needed happiness.




I liked it, but that beginning is tough.




Good narration, she kept me in it all the way through




A fresh start for a young teacher to build the life she's dreamt of

A second chance at romance for a single dad

The warm and uplifting small-town community cheering them on




After two back-to-back life-changing events, first grade teacher Katie McGrath left Albuquerque for a fresh start in Borden's Gap, Tennessee. She is finally back in the classroom where she belongs, but it will take a little while for her to heal and feel truly like herself. She'll need to dig deep to find the courage it takes to try again—in life and in love—but with some help from her neighbor Sam Youngblood and his adorable daughters who bring her out of her shell, her future is looking brighter than she dared imagine.


Friday 4 November 2022

Best of October

 










Here are our best for October! We are a hair late because Carole had to travel for work the first week of November! 


Best Movie of the Month:

Blodeuedd - Nadda this month.

"It seems I never see that many movies these days." 





"Such a fun sequel!"







Best Book of the Month:


"I had 3 really good ones this month. This one takes the cake though. SOOO good and creepy!"











"The best-written book was 'Happening' and 'Bleeding Heart Yard' was the most thrilling"





Best TV show of the Month:


Blodeuedd -  The Rookie (Season 1-2) & Bling Empire
"I got hooked on The Rookie, but damn the channel only had 2 seasons and now I am left in the worst cliffie. And gotta watch Bling Empire, they be crazy."












"Loving the series so far!"










Best Cover of the Month:

Blodeuedd's pick - "Very cool!"









Carole's pick - "That pup!!!










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