Book Girl of Mur-y-Castell

Saturday, 29 June 2024

Audio: Storming the castle

By: Eloisa James

Narrated by: Nicola Barber

Series: Fairy Tales, Book 3.1

Length: 3 hrs and 17 mins

Release date: 12-21-10

Historical romance /bookbeat.fi

I needed something short, because I once again tried our audiobook service, and what to do when you have 5 hours left? Must be short.

It starts rather weird after Philippa has done it with her fiancé and decides he is icky and runs away. She finds work at a castle as a nursemaid. And falls in love with the butler...who is the bastard sibling of a prince. Yeah I have no idea what happened in book 1. I guess a prince fell in love and now they had a baby. And this short story is about his brother.

And then they lived happily ever after. Short and nice

Good narration.

Featuring the handsome and mysterious Wick from A Kiss At Midnight. What Miss Phillipa Damson needs is a good, old fashioned knight in shining armor. What she has is a fiancé she never wanted and a compelling urge to run away. But if she manages to escape, will she find her happily ever after?

Wednesday, 26 June 2024

Audio: A lady´s guide to scandal by Sophie Irwin

By: Sophie Irwin

Narrated by: Imogen Church

Series: A Lady's Guide, Book 2

Length: 13 hrs and 27 mins

Release date: 07-11-23 by Penguin Audio

Historical romance/ From Bookbeat.fi

I did not write this review at once and now when I have thought about it...well it was just ok. I had too many issues.

Eliza is finally free from her marriage and she gets a sweet allowance and decides to live her life for once. Her old fling shows up, the guy she wanted to marry but her parents pushed her to marry his uncle. Ugh, tragic and it truly shows what a pushover she was.

I was all rooting for their romance as it blossomed again.

But it was rather dull at times, and I drifted.

Then there is this famous author that shows up. A true rake. And then things got weird. When did she fall for him? It felt like at the end the book suddenly decided to f it and just changed lanes.

Confusing shift. I really liked book 1, but this one not as much.

Nothing wrong with the narration though

When shy Miss Eliza Balfour married the austere Earl of Somerset, twenty years her senior, it was the match of the season--no matter that he was not the husband Eliza would have chosen.

But ten years later, Eliza is widowed. And at eight and twenty years, she is suddenly left titled, rich, and, for the first time in her life, utterly in control of her own future. Instead of living out her mourning quietly, Eliza heads to Bath with her cousin Margaret. After years of living according to everyone else’s rules, Eliza has resolved, at last, to do as she wants.

But when the ripples of the dowager Lady Somerset’s behavior reach the new Lord Somerset—whom Eliza knew, once, as a younger woman—Eliza is forced to confront the fact that freedom does not come without consequences, though it also brings unexpected opportunities . . .

Tuesday, 25 June 2024

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.

6/25/2024 Mid-Year Check-In: What books have you loved so far in 2024?

I have read fewer books than usual, but I still have come across some real gems!

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, 24 June 2024

Carole´s Monday: Winter Lost

Author: Patricia Briggs

Narrator: Lorelei King

Title: Winter Lost

Series: Mercy Thompson #14

Genre: UF, Fantasy, Paranormal, Paranormal Romance

Format: Audiobook

Published: June 18, 2024

Where I got It: Audible

Summary:

In the supernatural realms, there are creatures who belong to winter. I am not one of them. But like the coyote I can become at will, I am adaptable.

My name is Mercy Thompson Hauptman, and my mate, Adam, is the werewolf who leads the Columbia Basin Pack, the pack charged with keeping the people who live and work in the Tri-Cities of Washington State safe. It’s a hard job, and it doesn’t leave much room for side quests. Which is why when I needed to travel to Montana to help my brother, I intended to go by myself.

But I’m not alone anymore.

Together, Adam and I find ourselves trapped with strangers in a lodge in the heart of the wilderness, in the teeth of a storm of legendary power, only to discover my brother’s issues are a tiny part of a problem much bigger than we could have imagined. Arcane and ancient magics are at work that could, unless we are very careful, bring about the end of the world. . . .

Review:

Literally pre-ordered this bad boy because after the last book I HAD to read the next one!!! Plus...that cover? Def a contender for Cover of the Year.

So we continue with Mercy's story. Her and her mate, Adam, are called to head to a lodge in the wilderness to figure out what is wrong with Mercy's brother. They soon discover that his issue is just a tiny part of the problem. Arcane and ancient magics are at work and if things are not solved....it could bring about the end of the world.

Can I just say.....I LOVED this story. Honestly....it might've ended up in my top 3 of the series. It was so good and I didn't want to stop listening. Yes, yes, I did the narrator because I literally couldn't resist. The narrator really makes the story even better.

Poor Mercy is dealing with the endings of the last book and Adam feels helpless. Ugh, I just feel so bad for Mercy. She needs to talk to a therapist. The poor girl has been through so much in the last few books. She def has some stuff to work through.

I loved all the interludes. They were fun and added a little something extra-extra to the story. We got to see POVs we never see. Loved it!

The ending was good but you just know there is a storm heading for them all. AKA Bonarata is looming over all. Honestly? I can't wait for them to be rid of that a-hole. He's a problem.

I don't want to giveaway any spoilers, but I truly enjoyed this. So much freakin' fun.

5 stars from me

ONE WORD SUMMARY: Chilling

Challenge(s):
- Audiobook #27

Wednesday, 19 June 2024

Mr.Darcy´s Matchmaker by Summer Hanford

By: Summer Hanford

Narrated by: Ruth Urquhart

Length: 8 hrs and 30 mins

Published: June 11th 2024 by Tantor Audio

Pride and prejudice variation /to review

This was Anne´s book and she is very misunderstood, but here she shows her clear colors. She is trying to be meek for her mother, but her mind is plotting.

Darcy was, well, he really is proud, and so is Lizzy. This book shows some of their worst qualities and hey they belong together. They are good people, they just need to stop and care for others too.

I really like how Kitty comes across here and her romance made me all awwww.

And Anne finally finds someone to care for too.

The unlikable are still Miss Bingley and Mrs De Bourgh. Ugh, horrible people.

A fun variation where Anne takes control over the destiny.

And narrated by the fantastic Ruth Urqhart. She is awesome and I always enjoy her books

When the woman he loves refuses him, Darcy will get help winning her back . . . whether he wants it or not.

Fitzwilliam Darcy is a great many things. Wealthy. Handsome. Respectable. But what he is not, is skilled at charming Elizabeth Bennet. When she refuses his offer of marriage and breaks his heart, an organ she doesn’t believe he possesses, he has no notion of how to win her back.

Fortunately for him, his scheming relation, Miss Anne de Bourgh, is more than willing to help. It doesn’t matter to Anne that Darcy doesn’t want her assistance. She learned from the best, namely her mother, that people don’t know what’s good for them until you tell them.

Mr. Darcy’s Matchmaker is a sweet, lighthearted Pride & Prejudice Variation. Read on to discover if Miss de Bourgh can help Mr. Darcy win the woman he loves, and how much trouble she’ll cause trying.

Tuesday, 18 June 2024

TMST

6/18/2024 Share some LGBTQ-character books you've recently enjoyed.

Ok, so yes one is a monster, but she identifies as female (I forget, where there even male monsters?) But their way to romance is so much more.

Nazemian writes beautiful stories. In this one a gay teen travels to Iran and learns something more about his family.

Another fantasy one. Such a good book, and it deals with so much more, like magical slavery.

Shout out to this one too

6/25/2024 Mid-Year Check-In: What books have you loved so far in 2024?

Monday, 17 June 2024

Carole´s Monday: Victoria and Abdul

Title: Victoria & Abdul

Length: 1 hr, 51 mins

Released: 2017

Genre: Biography, Drama
Rating: PG-13
Where I Got It: Netflix

SUMMARY:

Queen Victoria strikes up an unlikely friendship with a young Indian clerk named Abdul Karim.

Trailer

REVIEW:

Been meaning to watch this for forever. I had it on my To-Watch list for years methinks. I needed something different and...light. So here we go.

This is the story of Victoria and Abdul. They strike up unlikely friendship. Victoria is queen of the British Empire and Empress of India. Abdul is poor Indian clerk who was selected to present the queen a ceremonial coin.

This was very sweet. Victoria was so ready to just die. Enter in the adorable and kind Abdul to give her a 2nd wind in life. He was happy to impart some knowledge and become her teacher. Simply loved their innocent friendship.

Bertie and the majority of the staff were gigantic babies and fools. So jealous. So racist.

I did end up adoring Mohammed! His speech to Bertie and the others had me cheering. Good on you friend.

The cast was fantastic. The script great. The story fun.

Oooh that ending. It had me in tears.

All-in-all, I really adored this movie. I loved learning about Abdul and seeing their friendship grow. Def 100% recommend it. 5 stars from me.

ONE WORD SUMMARY: Charming

Friday, 14 June 2024

Legends and Lattes

Series: Legends & Lattes (#1)

This edition: 312 pages, Paperback

Published: November 10, 2022 by Tor

Fantasy/own

It was good, and I would read more, but I just got this feeling that I did not love it as much as others did. Maybe it was just too cozy for me. It was sweet, nothing truly evil happened. No blood or gore. Just a cozy fantasy about an orc named Viv who wants to start a coffee place. Not to mention that coffee is new to people and beings there.

And as she finds a place, renovates, finds new friends, a succubi employee, life goes on.

There is some danger as someone wants something she has. But other than that it is mostly about her starting this café and making it a success.

And I do love worlds, but here we are stuck at the café. But hey do not get me wrong, it was fun adn sweet. just not that exciting

After decades of adventuring, Viv the orc barbarian is finally hanging up her sword for good. Now she sets her sights on a new dream – for she plans to open the first coffee shop in the city of Thune. Even though no one there knows what coffee actually is.

If Viv wants to put the past behind her, she can’t go it alone. And help might arrive from unexpected quarters. Yet old rivals and new stand in the way of success. And Thune’s shady underbelly could make it all too easy for Viv to take up the blade once more.

But the true reward of the uncharted path is the travellers you meet along the way. Whether bound by ancient magic, delicious pastries or a freshly brewed cup, they may become something deeper than Viv ever could have imagined.

Wednesday, 12 June 2024

Audio: Even better than the real thing by Melanie Summers

A spoiler is coming in tiny text cos I can not make thee text work today

Narrated by: Aria Holland, Dan Calley

Length: 9 hrs and 14 mins

Release date: 05-28-24 by Tantor Audio

Contemporary romance/to review

I had some issues with the premise, because it seemed rather ridiculous. Not the whole fake wife thing, nope, totally behind that. But the whole, "your father died, if you are not married within a week you loose the title." Wow, hold up. He needs to be married to gain the title and the land? That is stupid, his dad could have died when he was 10! Also why the F does everyone get their panties in a twist when he does get married!? He HAS TO. These people drag him to the house of Lords for his fake marriage. HELLO! No one said the marriage had to be real. Also even if he is not the right one, his right should pass to his kid. Like what is this.

So he gives up the title in the end to save her, which just means everyone thinks she is a gold digger. Also why is the press so after her? Who gives an f? I would sue that guy for slander. Second he gave it up and they lived happily ever after. No no. Screw that. Make his family hurt.

Right, rant over. Man needs a fake wife, she needs to study paintings. They begin a fake marriage, they fall in love, duh. He does not believe in marriage or kids so they have to work through that. And an evil gossip guy writing horrid pieces about her.

Her family is pretty horrid too. No idea why she even likes them. I do not.

Her friend seemed solid, as did his. Some good people in this world.

Good narration.

He's the heir to a fortune. He’s my aloof, intimidating, insanely handsome boss. And he just asked me to marry him.
Hayden Stuart is the quintessential English lord. He went to the most exclusive private schools. He hangs out with royals and other richy rich A-listers. His summer home is a castle.

Whereas I grew up on a peanut farm in Georgia.

When the spit hits the fan for Hayden, he asks me to be his wife. He makes it very clear to me that this is all for show.

Totally temporary.

Business only.

This is not a fake husband with benefits situation.

Of course I say yes.

Who wouldn’t want to live in a castle and have a staff take care of your every need? This is Beauty and the Beast, complete with the freaking library. Only Hayden’s crazy hot and knows how to eat soup without slurping it all over the place.

The problem is, the more time I spend pretending to be Hayden’s wife, the more desperate I feel to believe the lie.

And it’s not just about the castle.

It’s about the man.

Tuesday, 11 June 2024

TMST

6/11/2024 Have your reading interests changed over time?

I mean yes of course. I did read all those horse books when I was younger, and then very early on I went on to crime and thrillers. Yes it was a rather quick change. My library did not have a lot of YA books. At the same time since 10 I was also very into harlequin books. All that romance.

And then I found UF and PNR, like whaat. I had dipped my toe into some YA before that, but not like that. New world, a new English world, and I did not look back.

In the end what has stayed with me is fantasy and romance. Always and forever

6/18/2024 Share some LGBTQ-character books you've recently enjoyed.

6/25/2024 Mid-Year Check-In: What books have you loved so far in 2024?

Monday, 10 June 2024

Carole´s Monday: Wanderlust

Author: Lauren Blakely

Narrator: Richard Armitage, Grace Grant

Title: Wanderlust

Series: From Paris with Love #1

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Chick Lit

Format: Audiobook

Published: March 20, 2018

Where I got It: Audible

Summary:

My bags are packed and I'm ready to go. All I have to do is board a plane, and I'll be on my way to fulfilling a promise I made long ago. Bonus points -- my last week in Paris looks to be even better when I meet a gorgeous, clever American woman and make plans to take her back to my flat that night.

But before we can get together for what would surely be a fantastic final fling, my boss hits me with a double whammy. My previous client didn't pay, so there's no trip, and the new client I now desperately need is none other than the tempting American I'm about to take home.

Have I mentioned this timing bloody sucks?

***

I'll admit it -- I have a big weakness for a hot British accent. As in, they make me swoon, sigh, and want to toss my panties. Good thing I can avoid that kind of temptation in Paris. So it's just my luck that the man who's the key to success in my new job is the man whose voice makes me melt. Oh, and we have to spend all our days together for work.

Thanks a lot, fate.

To top it off, I quickly learn he's witty, kind and has a heart and mind I'm falling for fast.

All I have to do is resist him every single freaking day. That's so easy. Not.

But then I learn that's nothing compared to the real hurdle we face.

What could go wrong with falling in love in Paris? Nearly everything, it seems...

Review:

I was scrolling through some of the books Richard Armitage has narrated because...why not? And then I seen this and I have previously enjoyed some works by this author. I've also heard Grace Grant's narration before sooooo it all seemed like I had to give it a go. Plus...Paris? Yas.

Joy and Griffin are two people who find themselves in the city of love. Joy is an American gal who is given a chance to work in Paris for a while and she jumps at the chance especially after a break up that drained her emotionally. Griffin interpreter who is living for his late brother. He has a list of things to accomplish in honor of his brother and he doesn't have time for love. Lust...sure...but love? Nope. The two are paired with each other and it is lust at first sight.

*swoon* I simply adored Griffin. Yes, his British accent is to die for BUT he is so sweet and smart and just plain dreamy. He can speak so many languages and wants to travel the world.

Joy was a joy and she was perfect for Griffin. She is smart and sassy. I loved that she is a Chemist. Yayy for women in STEM! I don't have the head for it but it makes me excited seeing women take on the field.

There are some deep parts when they dive into their pasts. However the angst level is low and the drama is low. Which yayy! Don't get me wrong...I love some good drama, but this was what I needed at the moment. Main issues were 1) Griffin was worried they would get in trouble and 2) He wants to travel the world and she has a steady career...how will that work? Both issues are non-issues and that was lovely.

The narration was flawless! Being the biased person I am....I simply loved the male POV because RA is a dreamboat and his voice is beautiful. Even his female voices work. Plus all the accents he can do? Lovely. Our female narrator was great too. They worked well together and brought their characters and story to life.

All-in-all, I really adored this book. Great narrators. Fun story. Beautiful location. Low drama. Steamy??? Yes 100%. If you are looking for a book to lay by the pool and listen to...this is a great summer read. :D 5 stars from me.

ONE WORD SUMMARY: Swoon-worthy

Challenge(s):
- Audiobook #25

- Romance Reading Challenge #16 (STEM/Bluestocking)

Friday, 7 June 2024

Audio: There´s something about Sweetie

By: Sandhya Menon

Narrated by: Vikas Adam, Soneela Nankani

Length: 11 hrs and 36 mins

May 14, 2019 by Simon & Schuster Audio

Series; Dimple and Rishi (#2)

YA romance/bookbeat.fi

Oh you know, I looked for books by my favorite narrator and came across this one. I listened to Dimple years ago and really liked it. And now they had this one so I gave it a go.

Sweetie weighs too much in other people´s eyes. Her mother is always on her case and even if she is one of the fastest runners in the state then people always get stuck on her weight.

Ashish is always compared to his older brother. He had a bad breakup and now he is drifting.

His parents set him up with Sweetie. After some drama they go on parent ordered dates and fall in love. But there is some drama to get over first.

Sweet story. Family, culture and seeing past what others think.

Two narrators. I do love Vikas Adam because he is just so pleasant listening too. And I always like Soneela´s narrating too.

Ashish Patel didn't know love could be so...sucky. After being dumped by his ex-girlfriend, his mojo goes AWOL. Even worse, his parents are annoyingly, smugly confident they could find him a better match. So, in a moment of weakness, Ash challenges them to set him up. The Patels insist that Ashish date an Indian-American girl--under contract. Per subclause 1(a), he'll be taking his date on "fun" excursions like visiting the Hindu temple and his eccentric Gita Auntie. Kill him now. How is this ever going to work? Sweetie Nair is many things: a formidable track athlete who can outrun most people in California, a loyal friend, a shower-singing champion. Oh, and she's also fat. To Sweetie's traditional parents, this last detail is the kiss of death. Sweetie loves her parents, but she's so tired of being told she's lacking because she's fat. She decides it's time to kick off the Sassy Sweetie Project, where she'll show the world (and herself) what she's really made of. Ashish and Sweetie both have something to prove. But with each date they realize there's an unexpected magic growing between them. Can they find their true selves without losing each other?

Wednesday, 5 June 2024

Carole´s Wednesday: Magic shifts

Author: Ilona Andrews

Title: Magic Shifts

Series: Kate Daniels #8

Genre: UF, Paranormal Romance

Format: ebook

Pages: 386

Published: August 4, 2015

Where I Got It: Library

Summary:

After breaking from life with the Pack, mercenary Kate Daniels and her mate—former Beast Lord Curran Lennart—are adjusting to a very different pace. While they’re thrilled to escape all the infighting, Curran misses the constant challenges of leading the shapeshifters.

So when the Pack offers him its stake in the Mercenary Guild, Curran seizes the opportunity—too bad the Guild wants nothing to do with him and Kate. Luckily, as a veteran merc, Kate can take over any of the Guild’s unfinished jobs in order to bring in money and build their reputation. But what Kate and Curran don’t realize is that the odd jobs they’ve been working are all connected.

An ancient enemy has arisen, and Kate and Curran are the only ones who can stop it—before it takes their city apart piece by piece…

Review:

After the last book I had to take a mini break from the series. Lots of things happened and it made me sad. BUT I'm back again chipping away.

Here we have Kate Curran who have stepped away from the Pack to find some peace and quiet from the infighting and drama. However, this pace is too slow and Curran misses the constant challenges so when the Pack offers him its stake in the Mercenary Guild, he takes the offer gladly. The Guild isn't happy, but Kate is a veteran merc so she helps them by taking unfinished jobs in order to bring in some money and rebuild their reputation. The odd jobs are oddly connected and now an ancient enemy has arisen.

Ooooh Kate....oooo Curran. I get they like the drama and the fighting and etc...but please take a break. They got a mini one but now they are back at it and of course those "odd" unfinished jobs are all connected. Trouble seems to follow them no matter what they do.

I ended up doing the ebook version for this one since the audio was not available at my library which I was nervous about because I have fallen in love with the narrator doing the story. Which I could def hear her voice in my head in some areas. Audio is superior, but the ebook was good still.

The parts with Roland are weird to me. I get that she has to play nice-ish with him since there is no way she can win....but it's weird. For a dude that wanted her dead all her life he is all of a sudden into her life and etc. A part near the end makes sense, but IDK. Seems weird.

It was nice seeing Kate and Curran side-by-side fighting. There are so many past ones where he isn't there much. So maybe them being out of the Pack won't suck (yes I was worried it would take an element away).

But yes. This was fun. A good baddie that made me slightly nervous and fighting and fun side characters.

All-in-all, I enjoyed this one even as an ebook instead of the audio. Nice baddie. Lots of drama and fighting. Roland is an evil SOB but it worries me how nice he's being to them. We'll see what happens in book 9. I'll give this 4 stars.

ONE WORD SUMMARY: Good

Challenge(s):

- Library Love #12

Tuesday, 4 June 2024

TMST

6/4/2024 What outdoor activities do you like to do in the spring/summer?

I do love to bike, but last Fall my bike sort of fell apart. Booo, and it seems difficult to fix. I do want a new one and in the mean time I have this old crappy spare one where like half is broken but you can still bike.

I love walks in the woods, but hell to that now. We went into summer early enough for every mosquito to awaken, surely ticks and then the hellbeasts that are deerflies come. I will wait for frost thank you.

Just to be outside and enjoy the warmth before another 6 month winter

6/11/2024 Have your reading interests changed over time?

6/18/2024 Share some LGBTQ-character books you've recently enjoyed.

6/25/2024 Mid-Year Check-In: What books have you loved so far in 2024?