Audio Review: The Earl claims a bride - Amelia Grey

Harrison Thornwick is the Heirs' Club's newest member. His carefree days as a reckless rogue

carousing around London are suddenly behind him after the tragic death of his brother leaves him in charge of the family estate. What's more, the Prince himself has offered to secure his marital prospects. Now Harrison has no choice but to grin and bear his noble fate-and the woman who's been chosen for him. Miss Angelina Rule is a spectacular beauty, a dream match for any man. But she is fiercely independent-and full of passion-and is all set to rebel against her royal order of marriage . . . until she meets the devilishly charming Harrison. With him by her side, Angelina devises a scheme that will teach her meddlesome relatives a lesson, once and for all. But little did she and Harrison expect to fall into a tempestuous attraction-and a powerful desire that neither of them can deny . . . 

My thoughts:

This one, well honestly it was tricky. See the Earl, Harrison gets told by the king he has to marry. Ok nothing strange there, it's the olden times after all. And he is lucky and the woman in question is pretty and he falls for her. So nothing strange there.

BUT, see Angelina is in love with someone else. Ok, no problem, I am sure Harrison can win her over. But, see the man in question loves her back. Wait, that is weird right. I thought this was a romance. Harrison is the odd man out.

So while reading I kept thinking about that. Harrison could not back away, he had to marry her. And she starts to have feelings for Harrison. Oh this triangle is getting tricky. There is one thing that saved it for me. She fell for the man when she was 16 and said she would wait for him until he gets back (India, he was a soldier) and he was like 20 years older. That was truly what saved it for me. Sheesh man, she is way too young. He was all I will wait until you are older, no man. You already lost me, and her love was obviously a crush.

Ok so that was half my review talking about that. But it was strange you know. I do not know if I ever have come across a situation like this...

About the characters. Angelina likes to rescue things and her dad gambles too much (therefore she must marry).  Harrison used to be a scoundrel but is now an Earl and he steps up. And the last person in this triangle, Maxwell, oh I never liked him. He was all my scars! He had ptsd too (not that that is bad), and he really should find someone older.

A romance you wish for but it scared will not happen.

Narrator: Barrie Kreinik
I liked her voices. But I must say just as men do women voices "strange" so do women do men. Obviously. But it still works.
The chapters just flew away. 

Audio CD, 9 h
Published August 22nd 2017 by Tantor Audio (first published August 4th 2015)
The Heirs' Club of Scoundrels Trilogy #2
Historical romance
For review

The shift of the tide - Jeffe Kennedy

Growing up in a country where magic was common as dust, Zynda never had to worry about her enchantments upsetting the balance of nature. But the land beyond the borders of the thirteenth kingdom calls to her. It may be foreign and ugly, but the strangeness is laced with an excitement she has never known. Outside her homeland, Zynda's shapeshifting and sorcery are a potent advantage to nations grasping for dominance--and the thrill of power lures her even as she recognizes the threat she poses to these magic-buffeted realms. 

A ruthless enemy stalks them, promising destruction if she does not fight with all her strength--but if she upsets the equilibrium of the land, all will pay, the common people most of all. And a man of this outside world fascinates her, a mossback with no scrap of magic in him. He knows nothing of the fears and temptations pulling at her. But in his steady embrace she learns she must choose well--for the consequences may reach farther than she ever imagined... 

My thoughts:

Oh those Tala, they are such tricksters, but that makes them fun to be around. 

This book is about Zynda, a shapeshifter who wants to save her people. And well the world too since those dang baddies are coming for everyone. Though sadly there is no conclusion to that yet, that is both good and bad. See I want to see them burn at once (there are dragons after all that can help with that), but I also want more so good that there are still things to take off. 

Back to Zynda, she is a trickster, she tells the truth, but that might be a truth that is ever changing. She guards her secrets and especially the biggest one of all. What is she really about?

Right, I am blabbering. You just can not jump right into thing with these. First you really should read the first 3 books, if you do not then you must read 4 and 5 cos else you will be lost. Who the baddies are. How Dafne got married, how Jepp went to Dasnaria (and got her man), and much more. The books all have a new heroine but the story continues and the torch to save the world is passed on.

Oh and there is romance too. Zynda certainly is not looking for romance, but romance finds her none the less. And I really liked the end, I really liked the end.

I am also looking forward to the next book, I guessed right who it will be about and I am sure it will be fun. What a pair.

Conclusion:
Fantasy romance and a good adventure.

Cover
nice

Kindle Edition, 251 pages

Expected publication: August 29th 2017 by Brightlynx Publishing
The Twelve Kingdoms #6, The Uncharted Realms #3
Fantasy romance
For review

Pros and Cons and TMST: Long running series

Tell Me Something Tuesday is a weekly discussion post on Rainy Day Ramblings where Rainy discuss a wide range of topics from books to blogging. 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.

This week's conversation starter:

August 29th: What are some long running series that you would like to try?

Honestly, they scare me! When I see those 16 series long books all I do is sigh. It's one thing jumping in when there are 3 books out but when there are that many, well I  fear they will go bad. Too many books, too little plot left. I just stay away from them. It would take a lot for me to try a series that has been going on for that long!

I did try that JD Robb series, ugh, book 1 sucked so I never gave it another go. It's also easier to just leave them when they are that long.

So I can not really say that there are any long running series I want to try.

Though when it comes to historical romance I am more willing to try them since there I just tend to jump in ;)

As a living descendant of Artemis the Huntress, private investigator Nikki Glass knows how to track someone down—but this time, her latest case leads to unexpected revelations of lies and betrayal...

My thoughts:
I did not realise my omnibus had a novella in it too. Cool.

In this one Nikki is on her own since she wants to avoid Anderson after what happened in book 2. So she takes a case where a woman needs to find this man. And it gets complicated.

I really can not say a lot. She solves the case. There is some danger.

A good novella.

ebook, 82 pages
Published February 25th 2013 by Pocket Star
Nikki Glass #2.5
Urban fantasy
Own

Deadly Descendant - Jenna Black

As a living descendant of Artemis the Huntress, private investigator Nikki Glass knows how to track someone down. But when an Oracle shows up, warning the Descendants about wild dog attacks in Washington, D.C., Nikki is afraid it might be a trap. The Olympians believe the “dogs” are really jackals, controlled by a blood-crazed descendant of the Egyptian death-god Anubis. Whatever. . . . If Nikki hopes to muzzle Dogboy, she’s got to catch him in the act. But when she stakes out a local cemetery, she ends up face-to-snout with a snarling pack of shadow-jackals whose bite is worse than their bark. These hellhounds are deadly—even for an immortal like Nikki. “Dog” spelled backward may be “god,” but that won’t stop Nikki from teaching these old gods some new tricks. Like playing dead. 

My thoughts:

I am happy that I enjoyed this one cos I am super scared of book 2 syndrome at the moment ;)

But it was light and a fast read. And I do like those.

Nikki found out she has divine blood, and so do a LOT of people it seems, and some can become immortal (if you kill someone immortal first). And now she is stuck with a bunch of weirdos at a mansion. Another set of immortals wants to kill her and yes those guys are real assholes. The nice guys are nice and I do like their leader. Too bad she fancies someone else. Well fancies and fancies, he hates her at times but she totes fancies him.

Interesting side characters, a kick-ass heroine. Bad guys, good guys, Gods and their children.

A nice plot too with someone killing people with the help of dogs and there is a mystery to solve.

Conclusion:
Since I read this in an omnibus it felt really short, which was good ;)

Cover
Something is not right...her head?

Mass Market Paperback, 355 pages
Published April 24th 2012 by Pocket Books
Nikki Glass #2
Urban fantasy
Own

Carole's Sunday Review: Rae of Hope

Author: WJ May

Title: Rae of Hope (The Chronicles of Kerrigan #1)

Genre: YA & Paranormal Romance

Pages: ebook

Published: Sept 2011

Where I Got It: My shelf (Amazon freebie)

How hard do you have to shake the family tree to find the truth about the past? 

Fifteen year-old Rae Kerrigan never really knew her family's history. Her mother and father died when she was young and it is only when she accepts a scholarship to the prestigious Guilder Boarding School in England that a mysterious family secret is revealed. 

Will the sins of the father be the sins of the daughter? 

As Rae struggles with new friends, a new school and a star-struck forbidden love, she must also face the ultimate challenge: receive a tattoo on her sixteenth birthday with specific powers that may bind her to an unspeakable darkness. It's up to Rae to undo the dark evil in her family's past and have a ray of hope for her future. 

Ugggghhhh another one bites the dust. Why is it so hard to find a good YA? And especially a YA mixed with Paranormal. I feel like they are a rare jewel and I have had limited success. I had a small bit of faith for this one, but yeahhhhhh...no.

This is a mix between Harry Potter and Xmen. Rae is tossed into a world of people with superpowers all going to school to master their powers. Rae is a girl who was orphaned at a very young age and raised by her uncle and aunt. For some stupid reason, they don't tell her about her powers that would be coming when she turns 16 until she is 15 years and 10 months old. Like...really? SMH. Well - they still don't say anything. She is dropped off in this school and she is told by complete strangers. Because that all makes sense. 

The concept was interesting and I loved the whole tattoo and superpower idea. It was fun. I really just wanted to know what her power was so I kept reading and reading. It took forever and a half to find out.

Throughout this whole journey, I wanted to claw my eyes out The grammar was to be desired. The metaphors and similes made me want to hurl. The writing style was that of a 10-year-old girl. It reminded me of my early writings of my youth before I realized that you don't need to list every single thing that someone is wearing and spell out every single thought the main character is thinking. 

Speaking literally writing Rae's thoughts....in the middle of a paragraph or sentence the author would input some random thought that would pop into the character's mind. Why? It was not needed and it made the flow crappy especially at the beginning because I kept thinking she was SAYING these things out loud. Exhibit A:

"...sparklers. Cool trick! I gotta show Molls….oh wait…shoot. She didn’t know if Molly knew and the only way to find out would be to ask her. Hmmm… or maybe show her! Molly had been so nice to invite her here, and what if Molly didn’t get what the loser-dean had said and she heard it from someone when she got back from school"

The italicized parts are snip-bits of inner monologue of the main character. Sighs. 

Why did I keep going? I am not sure and I asked myself at the turn of every page and cringe-worthy moment. I think my main thing was that I wanted to find out more about her power and I oddly liked Molly. Don't ask me why, but I really liked her and her family. I think Molly deserves a story because there is a glimmer of hope in her. She was pretty 2D for the first half of the book, but there is something there. Too bad Rae is so self-centered and self-absorbed that she is stuck in her own world and doesn't care what other people think or feel. Sorry....I was not a fan of Rae. 

In the end, this was......something else. It was a good idea in theory, but the execution was poorly done. I felt like this was a 10-year-old's attempt to share an epic tale. I do not recommend this to anyone. I'll give this 1 star. 

Saturday Night Movie: Bleed for this

The inspirational story of World Champion Boxer Vinny Pazienza who, after a near fatal car crash which left him not knowing if he'd ever walk again, made one of sport's most incredible comebacks.

Director: Ben Younger

Writers: Ben Younger (screenplay), Ben Younger (story) 

Stars: Miles Teller, Aaron Eckhart, Katey Sagal

1 h 57 min / Biography Drama Sport (2016)

Musings:
I can not say I care a lot for boxing. It's a stupid sport really, people beating each other senseless. And I had never heard of this guy either, but why would I? I am not a boxing fan.

So I can't say I thought I would enjoy it, but then again the boxing movies I have watched, well for some reason I always continue to watch. They are interesting. And in this one they guy really made a comeback. From a horrible accident to fighting again. Yes I wanted to google to see how it would end but I did my best to stop myself.

Teller did a good job too, and I would not even have recognized Eckhart if bf had not wondered if it was him.

So yes it was an interesting movie.

The witch at wayside cross - Lisa Tuttle

Jesperson and Lane have just solved their first major case when a man bangs violently on their door - and almost immediately drops dead. The police rule death by natural causes, but the detectives are determined to find out what really happened . . . Mr Manning was screaming about witches before his death.

The case takes them to Mr Manning’s Norfolk home, a land of mysterious Shrieking Pits and ancient knowledge. Mr Manning was himself a member of the enigmatic School of Ancient British Wisdom, and not the first to suffer a similar fate. Local gossip suggests that he was secretly engaged to one of the three lovely sisters who reside at Wayside Cross - but which one? Are they really witches, as the gossips also claim? And what does all this have to do with the mysterious Shrieking Pits and a mother desperate to find her missing baby? Jesperson and Lane, at your service. 

My thoughts:

Jesperson and Lane have a new case when a man drops dead on their doorstep and screams about witches. Intriguing. So they set out to Norfolk.

Yes this is book 2, but I do feel like it works as a stand alone too. You just read it as a mystery then, and do not know how they come to become detectives together.  But then who wants to miss out on that.

It really is Miss Lane doing most of the groundwork and we see things from her POV. Jesperson is out there solving things (and finding some amazing answers, I did NOT expect that.) She is a clever woman. I like them both.

As for the mystery. Yes who killed him. The 3 witches? Or are they witches?  The man running the society of magic? Someone else? Oh and then this baby disappears too. Another puzzle to solve and yes I sure did not solve it. I can tell you that.

Conclusion:
A nice historical mystery with a twist.

Paperback, 360 pages
Published August 10th 2017 by Jo Fletcher Books
The Curious Affair Of #2
Historical mystery
For review

When the Scoundrel Sins - Anna Harrington

Annabelle Green needs a husband-and quickly. To inherit the only home she's ever known, she must be married by her twenty-fifth birthday. But finding a suitor has been next to impossible after a reckless rogue named Quinton Carlisle seduced her into a scandalous midnight tryst. Her reputation in ruins, Belle now needs a rather large favor. And she knows just who to turn to . . . 

Quinn can hardly believe that the shy bookish girl he teased as a child has grown into such a brazen beauty. The very idea of marrying Belle to right the wrongs of his past is downright shocking . . . and deliciously tempting. Too bad marriage, convenient or otherwise, is the last thing Quinn wants. He'll help Belle find a husband and be on his way. But if he can't control his attraction to the bride-to-be, this marriage could go up in flames-of wicked desire. 

My thoughts:
Annabelle is a spinster, oh you know she is already 25! Ready for the grave really. Her reputation is also on ruins after a little kiss in the gardens at 18. But who needs men! She is busy taking care of the estate she will inherit, reading her books and taking care of the people living there. A good honest woman. But there are always buts, if she does not marry before 25 she will loose the estate. Well that sucks. Better find a husband, but who wants a hubbie who can bully, take over her estate, even sell it. She would still loose everything.

Then we have Quinn, sent after by his aunt to help weed out the rotten suitors. He is a scoundrel, I mean the series title says it all, oh and the title of this one. He was also the one who ruined her at 18. Why the family never set it right I do not know, maybe they thought they would resent each other. But he is a good guy, just a scoundrel set for America.

Oh and they fancy each other pants off (since she wear pants in the fields). But the road there is long. He wants to start a new life on his terms in America. She needs to stay here and save Glenarvon. So in the beginning of the book I want to hit him over the head, and then at the end of the book I really truly want to hit her over the head with a book. Stupid girl!

Conclusion:
But it was a fun romance, and there is a baddie too. Let's just hit him over the head too, nah, we can hit him somewhere lower.

Cover
ok

Mass Market Paperback, 352 pages
Expected publication: August 29th 2017 by Forever
Capturing the Carlisles #2
Historical romance
NetGalley

Alex, approximately - Jenn Bennett

Classic movie buff Bailey "Mink" Rydell has spent months crushing on a witty film geek she only knows online by "Alex." Two coasts separate the teens until Bailey moves in with her dad, who lives in the same California surfing town as her online crush. Faced with doubts (what if he's a creep in real life-or worse?), Bailey doesn't tell Alex she's moved to his hometown. Or that she's landed a job at the local tourist-trap museum. Or that she's being heckled daily by the irritatingly hot museum security guard, Porter Roth-a.k.a. her new arch-nemesis. But life is whole lot messier than the movies, especially when Bailey discovers that tricky fine line between hate, love, and whatever-it-is she's starting to feel for Porter . . . And as the summer months go by, Bailey must choose whether to cling to a dreamy online fantasy in Alex or take a risk on an imperfect reality with Porter. The choice is both simpler and more complicated than she realizes, because Porter Roth is hiding a secret of his own: Porter is Alex . . . Approximately. 

My thoughts:
Since they love movies and all I guess this is like you got mail :) Of course Bailey would go by the older version of the movie.

Bailey has a crush on this guy she knows online. They are perfect for each other and love movies the both of them...but, she never told him she moved to his town. She wants to find him and then tell him. But how to find him? She does have some issues and is afraid to open up. And the more I get to know her, the more I know she would fun to hang out with.

Porter is everything she does not want. Surferboy, annoying and hidden dephts? Things are not always like the seem. And yes I liked Porter, but I did not like when he donned his surfer boy persona. But he does say he has many faces.

They hate each other, nah, she dislikes him, he fancies her. They grow closer and closer. And I have been way out of the loop when it comes to YA books because ...oh, I can not say spoilers.

But the reader knows that Porter is the guy she has been talking to online and we all know a big drama or mess is heading their way. I mean hello it is so obvious, get a clue girl!

Conclusion
A good ya fiction book. I felt it dealt with real things and real feelings. No angst or silly drama

Narration by Melissa Bentley
She did a great job. LOL, even when she faked talking to a sneeze it fit so well. I liked her voice for this

Cover
I think she sat by the pool once. So no I do not feel it fits.

Audio CD, 10 h
Published August 15th 2017 by Tantor Audio (first published April 4th 2017)
Contemporary YA
For review

Wrayth and TMST: Who are some authors you have been meaning to read?

In the Empire of Arkaym, the Order of Deacons protects and shelters the citizens from the attacks of the unliving. All are sworn to fight the evil forces of the geists—and to keep the world safe from the power of the Otherside… 

Although she is one of the most powerful Deacons in the Order, Sorcha Faris is still unable to move or speak after her last battle. Even her partner, Merrick Chambers, cannot reach her through their shared Bond. Yet there are those who still fear Sorcha and the mystery of her hidden past. 

Meanwhile, Merrick has been asked to investigate a new member of the Emperor’s Court. But when Sorcha is abducted by men seeking Raed Rossin, the shapeshifting rival to the throne, Merrick must choose where his loyalties lie. 

My thoughts:

From the beginning I had the same issue with this one as book 2. There I just thought that maybe it was not the right time to read it. Well, now I know, it's the book. I just can not connect! Book 1 was nothing special, but it was good enough and I read more in case it got better. It was very light fantasy and fast to read. Anyway, it did not get better. It got worse.

I tried to get through this book but omg so dull! There was nothing magical about it anymore. I started to skim so I would get to the end then I read some reviews of book 4 to see how it ends. Cos I am done done with this series. So done. Bleh, why did I even get this one!?

Mass Market Paperback, 309 pages
Published August 28th 2012 by Ace
Book of the Order #3
Fantasy
Own

Tell Me Something Tuesday is a weekly discussion post on Rainy Day Ramblings where Rainy discuss a wide range of topics from books to blogging. 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.

This week's conversation starter:
August 22nd: Who are some authors you have been meaning to read?

No! Do not ask me that. This is going to be really short! I honestly do not know. I have the WORST memory. I see reviews and I am all I have to try that author! Then I forget about the name. Because I do not go at once to goodreads to put them on my wishlist. My wishlist I want to keep kind of tiny and then those other authors I try when given a chance.

But hey, what are some authors that YOU have been meaning to read? Give me some ideas who I have to try.

The Captain's girl - Nicola Pryce

Cornwall 1793 - As the French Revolution threatens the stability of England, so too is discontent brewing in the heart of Celia Cavendish. Promised to the brutal Viscount Vallenforth, she must find a way to break free from the bounds of a life stifled by convention and cruelty. Inspired by her cousin Arbella, who just a few months earlier followed her heart and eloped with the man she loved, she vows to escape her impending marriage and take her destiny back into her own hands. She enlists her neighbours, Sir James and Lady Polcarrow, who have themselves made a dangerous enemy of Celia's father, in the hope of making a new life for herself. But can the Polcarrows' mysterious friend Arnaud, captain of the cutter L'Aigrette, protect Celia from a man who will let nothing stand in the way of his greed? And will Arnaud himself prove to be friend...or foe? 

My thoughts:

Celia knows her duty. Marry the guy they tell her to marry. But trust me, no one would want to marry that guy and when she finds out, well what can she do? What could any woman do at this time when you had to obey your father and then your husband. But she has a streak of wild in her and plans an escape.

First, her cousin Arabella who ran away. We only hear about that. I do not know Arabella, but I was all, I want her story too! How did Arabella fall in love? How are they now? Sometimes those side characters that are not even there really grab your attention. But let us forget about Arabella, I am sure she is happy somewhere. I guess I should read more of the authors books even if she is not in them.

There are more things going on that just Celia's marriage to be. The French revolution is still felt and the English worry about spies (this being a book set at the coast and all). Something is strange about the neighbors and they have their problems. And of course then there is the handsome strangely French captain that she meets.

Conclusion:
Romance, spies, wonderful side characters (not just the that cousin we never even met) and drama.

Paperback, 464 pages
Published July 6th 2017 by Corvus Books
Romantic historical fiction
for review

Carole's Sunday review: A fistful of love

Author: Om Swami

Title: A Fistful of Love

Genre: Nonfiction, Humor, & Philosophy

Pages: ebook

Published: Feb 2016

Where I Got It: My shelf (Given to me by the author/publisher for my honest and unbiased opinion)

Wisdom and Humour from a Monk's Bowl A man was sitting with his friends in a local inn. After a couple of drinks, he asked his friends, "Do you love me?" "Of course, we do," they replied. "So do you know what I need?" No one answered. "If you don't know what I need then how can you say you love me?" To love and to be loved is the most basic human need. No wonder we are attracted to people who give us attention, care about us, and love us. Yet, love also remains the greatest challenge in most relationships. Why? A Fistful of Love is a collection of insightful, thought-provoking nuggets of wisdom appreciated by millions around the world. This book is full of humour and narratives most beautifully woven into learnings of life that will make you stop and think. A must read. Om Swami is a mystic living in the Himalayan foothills. He has a bachelor's degree in business and an MBA from Sydney, Australia. Prior to renunciation, he founded and ran a multi-million dollar software company successfully. 

Not sure why but I really love books like this. I love looking at life through another's eyes. I love learning about other people's philosophy and view on life and everything in it. This was a no-brainer for me to pick up and read. 

I am so glad I read this. This was awesome and I loved it! Lots of wisdom, but it had humor too which made me really like the author. The author seems so wise but also so down-to-earth that the words on the page really struck a chord with me. 

I soaked this book up and all of the pages. The author was honest and made amazing points. Sure there were a couple of points where I had my own opinion and might not change my viewpoint, but it gave me a chance to see something different. 

I think the quote that really struck me was: 

"Life does not know what you want. It only sees what you do. And even if it could understand what you want from it, it is too unattached, too wise, to take you seriously. Have you ever noticed how a split second flies? This is the life we dearly hold, protect, cherish, and cling to for decades."

Life waits for no one.

The little anecdotes made the points really shine. Also, I really think the format and organization of the book made it better. 

In the end, this was a wonderful book. I really connected with this book on a lot of levels and just reading it gave me a sense of calm. The sprinkles of humor made this even better. In a way it symbolized how you should live your life....yes, take it seriously but you need to have some laughs and good stories too. Highly recommended. This gets the shiny 5 star stamp. 

Saturday Night Movie: Queen of the Desert

A chronicle of Gertrude Bell's life, a traveler, writer, archaeologist, explorer, cartographer, and political attaché for the British Empire at the dawn of the twentieth century.

Director: Werner Herzog

Writer: Werner Herzog (screenplay)

Stars: Nicole Kidman, James Franco, Damian Lewis

2 h 8 min /Biography drama history (2015)

Musings:

I might have heard the name before, it did ring a bell. But other than that I knew nothing about her.

Here she was portrayed as a strong woman who wanted more than balls and suitors. Her mother despaired since her father had sent her to university and now she was too smart for me ;) Go Gertrude!

Later she  heads out and falls in love with the desert. She travels, she experiences things. She is an archaeologist, explorer, writer and yes there is that whole look at this white woman who is all in love with their freedom thing. I try not to think too much about that. To her it was freedom since a lady like her was stuck in ballrooms and here she just saw a mighty desert. And she did seem to get it all, actually understand it their way of life. Not just think she did.

It is a rather slow movie. But hey those are the movies I always review for some reason. And I do like to review the smaller ones, instead of the bigger ones.

Still I continued to watch, while doing other things.

Idle Hands - Tom Fletcher

Desperate to cure his son Billy of the disease Idle Hands, Wild Alan must find a way back into the Pyramid from which he was exiled. But, trapped in the barren wasteland that is the Discard - the area surrounding the Pyramid - there isn't much he can do alone.

Bloody Nora, the mapmaker, has her own reasons for wanting to get into the Pyramid; she believes that the secrets of Gleam's history can be found in the Pyramid's vaults. And she has worked with Wild Alan before.

There are more secrets there than either imagined: those vaults hold the key to destroying the Pyramid's tyranny, but saving Billy and uniting the Discard against the Pyramidders is going to be far from straightforward.

My thoughts:

I really do not know how to explain this book. Weird dystopia fantasy? I mean how to even explain where it takes place. There is this pyramid where people work work die. Then there is this swampland where people eat moss and, you know what. This is a book better read than explained. You have to see it to believe it. It really is the strangest land, and I wonder why it is like that. We get some more hints in this one. Freaky fantasy? Oh I must read my review of book 1 and see if I called it something.

Alan is trying to save his son who has a disease called Idle Hands, a freaky one for sure, but then the whole world is freaky. He has to go back to the place he escaped from to save his son. Honestly what are they doing at that place!

He has help. A gay biker who was discared for being day (told you the pyramid people are weird). Nora who makes maps and knows the Pyramid are hiding some.

I really can't say a lot about the plot, spoilers you know. There is adventure, danger and freaky stuff. At times the book might just be too weird for me.

I need to know those hidden truths! I need to know about the world and the pyramid. Oh those secrets. Secrets drives me crazy, cos I want answers at once.

And I check and I did not know how to explain the world then either. I will just call it the future? gone to hell ;)

Hardcover, 400 pages
Published July 27th 2017 by Jo Fletcher Books
Fantasy / Dystopia
For review

Darcy in Wonderland - Alexa Adams

Twinkle, twinkle, amber cross!

For a chain, it’s at a loss.

Heavy links or simple loop,

Do not dunk it in your soup.

The worlds of beloved authors collide as Fitzwilliam Darcy, Jane Austen’s immortal hero, finds himself thrust into the topsy-turvey world of Lewis Carroll’s Wonderland.

Many years have passed since Elizabeth Bennet became mistress of Pemberley, and the Darcys’ six children are a testament to their enduring love. As the eldest prepare to enter the world, the youngest, Alice, makes sure that life at Pemberley never grows dull. She stands out as the most intrepid of the brood, and while beloved by all the family and staff, her curious mind and penchant for mischief often proves rather inconveniencing. Never is this truer than when her father follows her down a mysterious rabbit hole, disrupting his orderly world in ways never before imagined. A treat for the young and the old, Darcy in Wonderland is both an adventure and an homage to two of literatures greatest minds. 

My thoughts:

I must confess, I really do not recall all events in Wonderland. Last I saw something from that book was in the latest movie. So how much is in this mashup...well, I do not know. But it sure is Wonderlandesque. More so than PPesque.

Darcy and Lizzy have been married for ages and have a few kids. All good behaved lovely children/almost adults. Except for Alice who has a truly vivid imagination. And I, omg, this is horrible, but I totally understood the eldest one, Bennett, when he said his sister is insane. In those days, being as she was, well Lady Catherine sure would not have liked it. Not really a proper young lady this one.

Alice is sure lucky to have parents like Lizzy and Darcy. That is for sure.

Anyway, I am blabbering. The mad hatter got to me. Darcy and Alice will have an adventure in wonderland and everything is turned on its head.

Quite a different sort of Pride and Prejudice sequel. I think Alice will grow up to be an author. I am sure of it.

Enjoyable for a silly fun time.

Paperback, 254 pages
Published July 21st 2017 by CreateSpace
Pride and Prejudice Sequel
Alice in Wonderland re-telling
For review

Tougher in Texas - Kari Lynn Dell

Rodeo producer Cole Jacobs has his hands full running Jacobs Livestock. He can't afford to lose a single cowboy, so when Cousin Violet offers to send along a more-than-capable replacement, he's got no choice but to accept. He expects a grizzled Texas good ol' boy. He gets Shawnee Pickett. Wild and outspoken, ruthlessly self-reliant, Shawnee's not looking for anything but a good time. It doesn't matter how quickly the tall, dark and intense cowboy gets under her skin-Cole deserves something real, and Shawnee can't promise him forever. Life's got a way of kicking her in the teeth, and she's got her bags packed before tragedy can knock her down. Too bad Cole's not the type to give up when the going gets tough . . .

My thoughts:

Cowboys! And this one takes place on the rodeo circuit. Can't say I have ever read one like that.

I liked Cole. He seemed to practical with his lists and doing things his way. Very logical, and then we are told he has aspergers, well that does explain it. The thing he said about hugs, *nods* I felt she did it well. And he so wants a family...and then he meets Shawnee.

Oh my, Shawnee. Loud, opinionated and a total mess. She has some secrets and fears and she might act all tough and independent, but she is scared through. She certainly does not want family.

There was this drama thing, not about them, but still there, I really did not see the craziness behind it. Eh, I guess I missed something, or people overreacted.

Two people falling in love. Some rodeo drama. Some love drama and a happily ever after. Just like I want it.

Narrator Johanna Parker

I really like her voice and accent. She would totally be my go to narrator when it comes to western romance. She is perfect for it.

Audio CD
Published August 1st 2017 by Tantor Audio
Texas Rodeo #3
Contemporary romance
For review

TMST: Do you think bloggers and authors can really be friends?

Tell Me Something Tuesday is a weekly discussion post on Rainy Day Ramblings where Rainy discuss a wide range of topics from books to blogging. 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.

This week's conversation starter:
August 15th: Do you think bloggers and authors can really be friends?

This is a tough one. I honestly do not know! I was friendly with this author back in the day and it did feel like I had to write really positive things about her books. But then again that was my early blogging days and like I have said before, I was a spineless creature, lol. But it also felt like when we drifted apart it was tougher, we clashed when I did not enjoy her books anymore. She had these ideas about that if you do not have anything nice to say then do not say anything at all!

I am not dissing all relationships now just because of that early one. When I got over my "author fear" ;) I could take authors as they are. And it does help that there are authors that actually realise that all ratings are good to have. Sometimes you get a 1, sometimes you get a 5. I have hated a book by an author, just to read another book that I ended up loving.

But it is still a rocky road. I have sure seen it on Goodreads when author friends flock and give 5s and loooove the books *eyeroll*. If you are going to be friends with an author you have to be honest too. And the author has to get that.

So yes, bloggers and authors can be friends. But it has to be an equal kind of friendships that is built on honesty.

Luci at Easter

Audio Review: Daniel's true desire - Grace Burrowes

An Honorable Life Daniel Banks is a man of the cloth whose vocation is the last comfort he has left- and even his churchman's collar is beginning to feel like a noose. At the urging of family, Daniel attempts to start his life over as vicar in the sleepy Kentish town of Haddondale, family seat to the earls of Bellefonte. Challenged by Passion Resigned to spinsterhood, Lady Kirsten Haddonfield welcomes the new vicar to stay at her family's home while his is under renovation. Suddenly the handsome visitor has Kirsten rethinking her ideas about love and marriage, but a dreadful secret from Daniel's past may cast a shadow too long for either of them to overcome.

My thoughts:

At first I was scared most of the book would go by without anyone knowing he was married. Phew, it did not. The truth was out early on.

Have I ever read about a vicar? I really do not know. And yes I mostly thought about Mr Collins *shudders* I tried to imagine a hottie instead. A vicar is also a tricky hero cos you never know it he would be all God and all that. But he was not. He really loved his job, but that was all. Oh right, he also has separated from his horrible wife who is living with someone else. A real shrew. But if he divorces her he can not be a priest anymore.

Which brings is to Lady Kristen. Sweet, some failed love stories behind her and she is all about the new hottie vicar. Poor gal can not even control herself. Seriously, she really fancies the guy, and even though she realises he can never be free, she still fancies him (and he her). 

But obviously things are not that easy. He is married after all....so yes there will be some drama before everyone lives happily ever after.

Conclusion:
I enjoyed it. Burrowes writes these cute romances where people actually talk a lot.

Narrator James Langton

This is my third book by him and I like him. I like his accent when he read these. His female voices can be a bit, well he is a man after all. And his male voices can be a bit big. But they all blend together perfectly in the end. Honestly how could I ever listen to a Burrowes book if he did not read it. I had to google him, he is actually from England, so no wonder he does it splendidly.

Sample

Audio CD, 11 h
Expected publication: August 8th 2017 by Tantor Audio (first published November 3rd 2015)
True Gentlemen #2
Historical romance
For review

Joint Discussion: Reported Missing

Happy August everyone!  Feels good to be back to discussing some books!

This month Carole and I read and discussed "Reported Missing".  Blodeuedd is in red and Carol in blue. 

Author: Sarah Wray

Title: Reported Missing

Genre: Thriller & Mystery

Pages: ebook

First Published: July 2017

Where I Got It: Netgalley

Four months ago, Rebecca Pendle’s husband disappeared. So did 14-year-old Kayleigh Jackson.

Just a coincidence? Rebecca wants to believe so… But as the police start to draw parallels between Chris and Kayleigh, it’s getting harder for her to trust his innocence.

Faced with an angry town that believes Chris has abducted the teenager, Rebecca tries to discover the truth.

But what she finds shocks her more than she ever thought. How well does she really know the man she loves?

So we wanted to try a new genre or something. We had originally meant to read Gather the Daughters, and omg we could have discussed so much! Sorry Carole! But that did not work out and here we are thanks to netgalley.

Uggh! So sad I wasn’t able to get it :( Oh well..can’t win them all. However, I am kinda happy we were able to read this one.

Netgalley is a good source for books, and we did pick one we could discuss! Win! So what did you think?

I liked it overall. I was a little unsure as I was getting started but once more details and whatnot of the case(s) of the missing husband and girl was revealed I was hooked. You?

First, I liked that it was set in England, it’s just different from US counterparts. There is just something in the tone. Second,  I liked how we never knew things- Is the girl dead? Is the man dead? Did they run away separately? Did they run away together? Did he take her? Did Rebecka actually know something? So many what ifs

Yes and that is what made it good. So many questions...so many possibilities. I also really liked how unreliable Rebecca seemed even though I felt she was the most honest. Everyone else seemed to be holding something back. Especially Jeanie...I suspected her on SOMETHING. IDK what, but she was guilty of something. And btw...screw all the people in that town. JERKS!

I did always trust her. That she knew nothing, BUT, something doubts crept in, she was just sad sad and kept on drinking. She was so distraught. But most what ifs obviously came about the husband. I wanted to believe he had just left or something. Not that he was a phedophile.  Also YES omg those fuc*ing townpeople! It was not her fault. Omg it was not like she put him to like little kiddies, like if she was better looking or put out more he would have stayed. ALSO, we do not know if he did anything! Innocent until proven guilty asshats! I did hate how they looked at her like she was tainted.

As for Jeannie, no, did not wonder there. I...lost my point...wait a minute….SimoN! Yes I did give him the shifty eye a few times.

Yes, I really didn’t understand all the hatred. If anything they should’ve felt bad for her and pitied her. Jerks the lot of them. And yes, I had my doubts here and there about Reb. I think the author did that on purpose. Even though you KNOW she is innocent and miserable...there are some times when you have to give her the shifty eyes. I liked that. And yes Simon...he was a little suspect here and there.

I know that some do not like unreliable characters since there has been so many of them, But I did how the author made it here. It is not really that she is unreliable. It is more that we know nothing. Nothing at all. And the cops are sure not talking. So the entire book is her trying to know more. About the missing girl, about her husband. And I liked that since it made me question everything and everyone.

Yes. It was well done. Now, I did NOT like the ending and how everything came to light. I feel like it was too easy in a way. I’m not sure...but I didn’t like it. Did you?

I felt it was too sudden. I was seriously wondering if she was in a coma or something. It just felt like I missed something and then aha...ok good I guess?

Yeah...it kind of just ended. I didn’t really expect the final answers. I had my guesses but I didn’t expect it. I wish we could say more without giving away any spoilers. LOL!!!

It did become clearer as we read on so yes I guessed it too, half of it at least..wink, since we can not say more. Alas spoilers. But all in all, made me mad, had me guessing. I guess it was a good book then.

Hahaha dang spoilers! But I agree. It was pretty good. Not amazing and the ending disappointed me. I loved the mystery and how everything was slowly revealed to us as the story went along. I do recommend it for those that like a good mystery.

The ending came too fast. It was more ok now I need an ending so I am gonna fast forward a bit. So that could have been done better. It was a confusing jump. But all in all good, and for those who like to keep on guessing then this is a good book for you.

And we tried something new, yay.

Yayy!! I am glad we read this. It was good to read a mystery. I really do love them.

I wonder what she should do next? I guess you turn since I did send you a bunch of Ng links this time

Good pick for our first discussion in a long time! I gotta make sure I pick a good follow up. Hahaha

And good that we kept it sort of short since baby woke up :)

Short and sweet. It’s hard to really get in depth about a mystery due to avoiding spoilers ;D Give baby some love. The end?

So true ):) The end

:D

About the Authors

Carole and Blodeuedd have been blogging a long while now. The last couple of years the epic duo have 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.