Audio: Snowballs in Hell by Eve Langlais

Narrated by: Rebecca Estrella

Series: Princess of Hell, Book 2

Length: 5 hrs and 19 mins

Release date: 12-27-16

Publisher: Tantor Audio

Paranormal romance

To review

This one was a bit different from book 1, there was a lot of smexy times, like really lot. So you all who love that, go for it. But yes for me who wants to know what is going down, and I am not meaning Arric *pun intended*, well for me I was all, dang, not another! I want answers, not orgasms.

See, Muriel had nympho magic as she calls it, she needs sex to refuel her powers. And she needs lots of magic as everyone is trying to kill her. It seems her dad has a rival, someone who wants to take down Hell.

But yes lots of time spent in bed, when I have so many more important questions! Who is the masked stranger? Who wants to take over Hell and everything in between? Who is Muriel's mother! Not even her father knows (but then he is a real dog). SO many questions, and we do get a tiny answer in this one, one that makes me want to listen to book 3 at once!

A fun book (too much smex though), but I like Muriel cos she is so kickass normal. And the world intrigues me.

I do like Estrella, she connects me with the story. And this story works so well in audio.

Hi, I'm Muriel, misbegotten daughter of Satan, and once again, my life is in turmoil. The cowled one who tortured me left a curse on my mind, one that makes me afraid. Completely unacceptable, but in order to remove it, I have to do something even worse-betray my beloved by bringing another man into our bed. As if having to participate in a threesome isn't traumatizing enough, Hell has frozen over, and as much as I think Hades looks pretty in a blanket of white, the repercussions are severe. It's a good thing this princess of Hell has two lovers determined to charge my magic in pleasurable ways. I'll admit it's not easy having nympho magic, but I'm prepared to take on another man in my heart and bed for the sake of saving the world.

Audio: The Heiress gets a Duke by Harper St:George

Narrated by: Justine Eyre

Series: The Gilded Age Heiresses, Book 1

Length: 9 hrs and 58 mins

Release date: 01-26-21

Publisher: Tantor Audio

A Duke without money needs an heiress fast!

I did like Evan, he wanted a rich wife, he needed one. His sisters needs a debut, his tenants are poor and need help. So he needs money for them, and not for himself.

August was all tough, and empowered. She helps her father with his company (though that turned weird), she wants to be free, to have her own money, and she doesn't need a golddigger! But she was certainly not a good listener. Listen to him August! I mean a hot Duke who obvi wants you too, wants to marry you. Go for it and make him beg for it.

They do not have an easy time falling in love. She wants nothing to do with him, he tries his best to court her. They want each other, and she wants freedom. Yes it is a tough one, I mean to the last 10 minutes. They really cut it close.

I am also curious abut August's sister will do in the next book.

A good book.

I always like Justine Eyre. She has a great voice and range. I'd listen to anything by her

American heiress August Crenshaw has aspirations. But unlike her peers, it isn't some stuffy British lord she wants wrapped around her finger - it's Crenshaw Iron Works, the family business. When it's clear that August's outrageously progressive ways render her unsuitable for a respectable match, her parents offer up her younger sister to the highest entitled bidder instead. This simply will not do. August refuses to leave her sister to the mercy of a loveless marriage.

Evan Sterling, the duke of Rothschild, has no intention of walking away from the marriage. He's recently inherited the title only to find his coffers empty, and with countless lives depending on him, he can't walk away from the fortune a Crenshaw heiress would bring him. But after meeting her fiery sister, he realizes Violet isn't the heiress he wants. He wants August, and he always gets what he wants.

But August won't go peacefully to her fate. She decides to show Rothschild that she's no typical London wallflower. Little does she realize that every stunt she pulls to make him call off the wedding only makes him like her even more.

Audio Lucifer's daughter by Eva Langlais

Narrated by: Rebecca Estrella

Series: Princess of Hell, Book 1

Length: 6 hrs and 3 mins

Release date: 11-22-16

Publisher: Tantor Audio

Pararnormal romance

To review

I meant to try this for ages, but then I got to try the audiobook and was in at once.

Muriel is the devil's daughter, and hey the devil seems really nice. At least around her. He seemed like a big weird softie. And he was very disappointed by her lack of sinning. Because Muriel wants to wait for love, and is not into the whole spread evil thing. Though neither does anyone else, hell seems to be more like, sin is good, but humans can do it on their own. But yes of course there are temptations out there to get them to come to the right side.And actual hell sounds good too, if you are not Stalin or someone, the normal sinners are just there.

I got off track, but it was a fun world, the devil was really nice. Muriel was nice. There is humour, some slaying of evil dudes, cute hellbeasts. And of course the romance. I am not big on insta, but it works, this woman has waited for 23 years to get her groove on. For a normal woman that would be ok, but for someone who was always bombarded by her weird family to get her freak on. No wonder she wanted to wait for the one. And in comes Dark tall and mysterious. Lust at once, romance at once, though there is this time where I wanted to kick him, grrrr, that you even thought that man!

A good narrator, I have listened to her before and she sits well in this book. It works great in audio, you really get the fun of things 

It drives my dad nuts I'm such a goody-two-shoes, but the fact that I'm a virgin makes smoke pour from his ears. See, I'm determined to save myself for love, but daddy dear, more commonly known as Lucifer, just wants me to stop being an embarrassment. Would it kill you to sin a little? Maybe he'll get his wish, because I met an intriguing hunk last night in my bar. Could he be the one? He certainly melts my panties like marshmallows over the coals of Hell, but do I dare trust him? My last boyfriend thought he'd gain infamy by killing me. He's infamous all right. Dad had him mounted on a wall, his version of modern art titled, "Touch my baby girl and die." My love life isn't the only thing I've got to worry about. There's someone threatening the denizens of Hell, and while my daddy says to not worry my pretty little head about it, I am involved because whoever is behind the attacks keeps coming after me. Bring it. I'm not afraid. 

TMST: Re-Reading

 

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.

Do you reread? And are you ever tempted to change your ratings when you do?

I do re-read! Sadly I do not have enough time for it these days, so many other books! But I did re-read The Others by Anne Bishop, and I started on Heartstrikers by Rachel Aaron. I re-listened :D There is nothing like a good re-read, because you know that you will love it. Well, most of the time.

There is where the second question comes in. Last year I re-read a book (I tried to listen but it was so bad), that I had liked and it was not good, not good at all! I did want to change my rating, but I did not. I loved that book the first time around, but I had changed, my life had changed and now it was not at all to my liking. Even though I had loved it it was not one of my will cherish it forever books so I did not really feel bad about not loving it. But if it happens to Heartstrikers, oh my heart will break.

2/2/2021 Share some of your favorite books written by POC authors.

2/9/2021 How has your reading changed since the pandemic started?

2/16/2021 Share some of your favorite romantic stories/books.

Discussion: Network Effect by Martha Wells

Hello all! Carole and I will be discussing "Network Effect" by Martha Wells. I am  in red and Carole in blue.

Author: Martha Wells

Title: Network Effect

(The Murderbot Diaries #5)

by Martha Wells 

Genre: SciFi

Published: May 5th 2020

Format: ebook

Pages: 350 

Summary: You know that feeling when you’re at work, and you’ve had enough of people, and then the boss walks in with yet another job that needs to be done right this second or the world will end, but all you want to do is go home and binge your favorite shows? And you're a sentient murder machine programmed for destruction? Congratulations, you're Murderbot.

Come for the pew-pew space battles, stay for the most relatable A.I. you’ll read this century.

—

I’m usually alone in my head, and that’s where 90 plus percent of my problems are.

When Murderbot's human associates (not friends, never friends) are captured and another not-friend from its past requires urgent assistance, Murderbot must choose between inertia and drastic action.

Drastic action it is, then.

Discussion:

Murderbot got a full book this time, what did you think?

Overall? I think it had fun moments and I liked it….I do miss the fact they were short and sweet. 

I was not that keen on a full length novel, it felt too long, and I grew a bit bored :/ I felt like nothing happened. I like them short and on point. I did not even feel that Murderbot was her usual weird self. Sure it was fun to see Art again, but it was dry for me.

I can agree. I think making it long took away some of the charm. Some dry spots that seemed to drag on. 

At least I was glad I read it, but it also made me realise that I think this it the end of Murderbot for me, sure maybe there will come another awesome one, but I will opt out.

Ya. I had originally thought this WAS the last book. A big finale, but then I saw there was more. I am with you. I love Murderbot and ART but ya...I think I am ready to say goodbye for a while. 

Aye, it is goodbye to Murderbot. It was nice getting to know you, but too long, too dry and too, well I could not feel the world in this one. Maybe cos it was ship ship ship.

I had fun at the beginning and at the end. The middle was dry and missing that old charm. You are right. It was just ship ship ship. 

Ships are dull, not you Art! Just ships in general.

I was happy to see ART again! I even liked 2.0. 

I do not really have anything to say other than Dry, I feel this might be our shortest discussion so far

OOooo 100%. For being such a long novel...there really wasn’t a lot to discuss esp without giving away spoilers. For me the beginning and end were fun because of all the action. Middle was dry and I hated all the humans. Sure some are nice….but they are dumb. Poor Murderbot. 

Meh, nothing to say. Onward! On to the next book, oh and I must mention that we had meant to read another book, but I dnfed it before Carole even had the chance to try it ;)

Hahaha. I am not upset ;) I’m glad we finally decided to try this though. We have been delaying this for a long time. 

The end

About the Authors

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

Audio: The Valet who Loved me by Valerie Bowman

Narrated by: Christine Rendel

Series: The Footmen's Club, Book 3

Length: 8 hrs and 29 mins

Release date: 01-05-21

Publisher: Tantor Audio

Historical romance

to review

This is book 3 and two have already found love at this houseparty, while pretending to be servants. Beau is pretending to be a valet, but his reason is not to find love, but a traitor. Book 2 actually ended with a cliffhanger when he showed up and was all, I found the traitor! But here we take step back, cos obvi he will find love too.

Beau was, well he was nice, he really loves his job too, spying for the crown.

Marianne is a lady's maid, but with seeeecrets! She was very suspicious of Beau, but he he was a shifty valet.

They try to figure each other out, they fall in lust and love. The drama is of course that he is actually a nobleman, and of course the dangerous business of finding the traitor.

I liked it, and it all works out in the end. This is romance after all.

I like the narrator, she is good and all her voices feel right.  She makes it easy to follow along

All of London knows Beau Bellham as the Marquess of Bellingham, but only a trusted few know he also works for the Home Office. His specialty? Scouting out traitors to the Crown. So, when one of his friends pretends to be a footman at a house party in order to find a wife, Beau decides posing as a valet at the same gathering will be the perfect cover for him to spy on the men he suspects of treason. What Beau doesn't count on, however, is butting heads with a far-too-certain-of-herself maid who gives him hell at every turn.

 

Miss Marianne Notley is a lady's maid with more secrets than hairpins. When she meets her employer's new valet, she distrusts him immediately. Never mind his dashing good looks and irrepressible charm, he's a bit too sure of himself and asks a few too many questions for her liking. She's on a mission to reveal the mysterious valet's true identity, and she's not above wielding her own considerable charms to do it. But before long, all the pretending Marianne and Beau are doing feels alarmingly real—and a lot like falling in love. When they finally discover the truth about each other, will it spark a face-off for the ages or a love that lasts for all time? 

A time of dread by John Gwynne

Paperback, 463 pages

Published February 20th 2018 by Orbit 

Series: Of Blood and Bone #1

Fantasy

Own

As always lots of characters, but this time a bit calmer, I think my problem with the previous one as that they all had similar names or smthg, and not here.

Riv is hot tempered, anger management issues and full of zeal. Did I like her? Eh. She made some bad decisions. She is training to be a fighter and fight for these overly zealous angels.

I do like some of the angels, the misbehaving ones. There are also other povs there.

Brem seems to be the the typical hero our of nowhere, and of course I like him. He lives with his dad hiding out in the middle of nowhere.

And then there are more, a giant, bad guys, and they will surely all meet up soon. As the bad guys are gathering to kill everyone.

I binged it, I do want more. Because thing are going down!

A race of warrior angels, the Ben-Elim, once vanquished a mighty demon horde. Now they rule the Banished lands, but their peace is brutally enforced.

In the south, hotheaded Riv is desperate to join the Ben-Elim's peacekeeping force, until she unearths a deadly secret.

In the west, the giantess Sig investigates demon sightings and discovers signs of an uprising and black magic.

And in the snowbound north, Drem, a trapper, finds mutilated corpses in the forests. The work of a predator, or something far darker?

It's a time of shifting loyalties and world-changing dangers. Difficult choices need to be made. Because in the shadows, demons are gathering, waiting for their time to rise...

Audio: Married by Midnight by Lisa Kleypas

Narrated by: Rosalyn Landor

Series: Hathaways, Book 4

Length: 10 hrs and 22 mins

Release date: 12-01-20

Publisher: HarperAudio

To review

Catherine and Leo, oh, they are quite the couple. They have these huge arguments and it not funny banter or bickering.

Catherine has been hiding her identity, it takes a while to learn while, and it is a good reason for it (though I would totally have asked that brother of hers to just go thrown everyone in the Thames.) Poor Catherine.

Leo used to be a rake, his excuse was the women he loved more than life dying, him almost dying, his sister almost dying and he blames himself.

They argue a lot, he fancies her, but at the same time, they way he argues with her, it is a bit volatile. I am not sure I like Leo all the time.

Then there is drama with the estate being in danger, her past coming to light, and more.

It was quite the ride, they do not make it easy for each other. But in the end they are truly right for each other, and they both like to argue

Good narrator. I have listned to her before and I like how she plays her characters. They have their own voices and that is important as we meet the rest of the Hathaways too

Hired as a companion to the Hathaway sisters, Catherine Marks has built a new life for herself, away from her dark past. She adores her delightful charges, and the lively Hathaway household is the closest Cat has ever had to a family of her own. Everything is perfect - except for Leo Hathaway, the girls’ charming and utterly exasperating older brother who drives her to distraction. But when their heated sparring explodes in a sudden kiss, Cat can no longer deny the powerful attraction between them - or the thrill she feels when Leo makes her a shocking proposition. 

To save his family home, Leo must marry and produce an heir. The reformed rake vowed he’d never love again after tragedy shattered his heart. Yet the prim and proper Cat challenges him in surprising ways, and her beauty and prim demeanor fuels a desire he cannot control. When the secrets Cat has tried to outrun threatens to separate them forever, Leo and Cat must find a way to banish the ghosts of the past to build a future together. 

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.

Bookish jobs: if you could do something in the bookish world for employment, what would you choose and why?

Librarian obviously. I even have the education for it! But jobs are rare.

But also something in publishing, but I have no idea what people actually do there. I kind of want to get paid for reading new manuscripts and that is it.

Being an author would be fun too, but someone who makes enough for me to only focus on that.

Next week: 

Do you reread? And are you ever tempted to change your ratings when you do?

Carole's Monday. Crazy rich Asians

Author: Kevin Kwan

Narrator: Lynn Chen

Title: Crazy Rich Asians

(Crazy Rich Asians #1)

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Chick Lit, Humor

Format: Audiobook

Pages: 544 

Published:   June 11th 2013

Where I got It: Audible

Summary: 

Crazy Rich Asians is the outrageously funny debut novel about three super-rich, pedigreed Chinese families and the gossip, backbiting, and scheming that occurs when the heir to one of the most massive fortunes in Asia brings home his ABC (American-born Chinese) girlfriend to the wedding of the season.

When Rachel Chu agrees to spend the summer in Singapore with her boyfriend, Nicholas Young, she envisions a humble family home, long drives to explore the island, and quality time with the man she might one day marry. What she doesn't know is that Nick's family home happens to look like a palace, that she'll ride in more private planes than cars, and that with one of Asia's most eligible bachelors on her arm, Rachel might as well have a target on her back. Initiated into a world of dynastic splendor beyond imagination, Rachel meets Astrid, the It Girl of Singapore society; Eddie, whose family practically lives in the pages of the Hong Kong socialite magazines; and Eleanor, Nick's formidable mother, a woman who has very strong feelings about who her son should--and should not--marry.

Review:

Been meaning to read this book for a while. I want to watch the movie so bad, but I really wanted to start with the book first. Finally got myself to crack this open when I got the audio version!

We follow Rachel Chu and Nick Young mainly. Rachel agrees to spend the summer in Singapore with her boyfriend. She is excited to finally meet his family and see where he grew up. What she didn't expect is that Nick is one of Asia's most eligible bachelors and his family is rich beyond comprehension and not everyone is thrilled that Nick is bringing her home...especially his formidable mother. 

I knew this was going to be a hot mess for Rachel from the moment I realized Nick did NOT at all prepare her for his world. What the heck man? I would be pissed if I was Rachel. Sure - I get talking about one's family wealth is tacky and frowned upon....but tell her SOMETHING. She was for sure tossed into the snake's pit unprepared. 

Besides for Nick being an idiot, I really liked him. I felt so bad for him. So many vipers in that world! I can see why he wanted to live in New York and enjoy a simple life. I don't blame him. As much as I would love buying everything my heart desires and having a private jet....I like my simple life. 

Poor, poor Astrid. I want her to be happy. Screw you Michael! 

Gah. Everyone sucked except for Nick, Astrid, Rachel, Nick's BFF, and the BFF's wife-to-be. Stuck-up jerks. BUT it was so entertaining watching all the unneeded drama and cat-fights. Rich people are so dumb! Hahaha. 

OOOOOO that last minute twist had me so upset. I wanted to shake Rachel and shake Rachel's mom. I hope we get more resolution in the next book. This CANNOT BE SWEPT UNDER THE RUG. GAH!

I loved the author's writing style. It felt so breezy but it was loaded with a lot of information. The author did a great job making it clear who was who. 

The narrator helped too. I was a wee bit nervous because normally with big casts I try to avoid audio because it makes it hard to remember all the details of each person who pops up. The narrator did fantastic! Everyone had different voices. Sure some seemed similar but they all felt different. Kuddos to the author and the narrator! 

All-in-all, I really did enjoy this. It was a lot of unneeded drama because rich people are bored. I hated nearly everyone, but the ones I liked I loved. I am curious about book 2 mainly because that last minute twist had my head spinning. GIMME MORE PLEASE! I'll give this 4 stars. 

 

Challenge(s):
- #3 for Audiobook challenge

- # 3 for Bingo

Not US/UK setting

 

The Invasion by Peadar O'Guilin

Hardcover, 336 pages

Published March 27th 2018 by David Fickling Books

Series: Grey Land #2

YA UF

Library

I kind of wish there had only been a book 1, cos there there was...sort of happiness for now. But here, so not.

Nessa is accused of being a traitor and sent to jail. The Sidhe still want her head. They are preparing to invade and take back their land.

Anto is put into a squad of monster killers. At least he is not sent to prison like Nessa. She saved Ireland and this was her thanks?! 

And what happens to prisoners, oh they are put into a boat, but you can not leave Ireland, if you try you end up in the Grey lands. The land of living nightmares where the Sidhe find you, torture you, kill you for fun or change you into a crab or whatever they want

As you can see it is not a pretty story. There is lots of blood spilled, heartache and pain. The Sidhe might be beautiful, but they are cruel, evil and so very creepy.

I enjoyed it, it was a fast read and I wanted to know how things would turn out!

After so much danger, Nessa and Anto can finally dream of a happy life. But the terrible attack on their school has created a witch-hunt for traitors -- boys and girls who survived the Call only by making deals with the enemy. To the authorities, Nessa's guilt is obvious. Her punishment is to be sent back to the nightmare of the Grey Land for the rest of her life. The Sídhe are waiting, and they have a very special fate planned for her.

 

Meanwhile, with the help of a real traitor, the enemy come pouring into Ireland at the head of a terrifying army. Every human they capture becomes a weapon. Anto and the last students of his old school must find a way to strike a blow at the invaders before they lose their lives, or even worse, their minds. But with every moment Anto is confronted with more evidence of Nessa's guilt.

For Nessa, the thought of seeing Anto again is the only thing keeping her alive. But if she escapes, and if she can find him, surely he is duty-bound to kill her...

Ship of smoke and steel by Django Wexler

Paperback, 366 pages

Published January 7th 2020 by Tor Teen (first published January 22nd 2019)

Series: The Wells of Sorcery #1

YA FANTASY

Own

I liked this one, what a great way to start the year. With something good!

Isoka is not a nice person, she is a gang enforcer. She kills without remorse, she'd kill her best friend to save her sister, but then Isoka does not have friends. But still, she is great reading about.

I felt like the book did not start off any YAish, when she gets to the ship it gets a bit more YAish, but not that much. Not angsty, silly romance, silly drama, ok sorry YA, but so many have these issues! It feels strong and it stands on its own. No need to label it.

The story is great. She is sent to a creepy ship that comes to collect people of a certain age with powers, and they are given as tribute, cos else bad things happen. And the ship is untouchable, and no one knows anything about it. 

What a creepy ship, why does it collect people with power? Who sails it? Why are there creepy things attacking?

We do learn a bit, but not enough. I need answers! I need book 2 at once.

Great book, quite the thrilling ride. Wexler does not disappoint.

When Isoka's magic is discovered by the government, she's arrested and brought to the Emperor's spymaster, who sends her on an impossible mission: steal Soliton, a legendary ghost ship--a ship from which no one has ever returned. If she fails, her sister's life is forfeit.

On board Soliton, nothing is as simple as it seems. Isoka tries to get close to the ship's mysterious captain, but to do it she must become part of the brutal crew and join their endless battles against twisted creatures. She doesn't expect to have to contend with feelings for a charismatic fighter who shares her combat magic, or for a fearless princess who wields an even darker power.

How to catch a queen by Alyssa Cole

Narrated by: Karen Chilton

Length: 10 hrs and 53 mins

Release date: 12-01-20

Publisher: HarperAudio

Contemporary romance

To review

Arranged marriage story! A woman who really wants to be queen!

Shanti has prepared all her life to be queen, ok yes I admit, a tad weird, I mean how many chances are there in the world to achieve that, but hey this is a romance so a lot more pretend kingdoms. I did not know how to take this ambition of hers, but then, I mean she really went all in for it. She studied, she mastered everything and when she finally got her chance she started to plan how to help her new country.

But, yes not that kind of story. Cut to her being mostly alone for 3 months, moving from her room to the library. No one giving an f or wanting her there. All her plans in turmoil. This is not a queen friendly country. No they have for decades had a queen for 4 months and then a new one and a new one and a new one and a new one.

But then she finally gets a chance and gets to speak to her husband. And he notices her brilliant mind (oh and how fine she is.)

Sanyu, yes i liked him. Not everyone wants to be king and his dad, and their advisor sure did a number on him. First, all those queens, so never any mother for him. An advisor ho kept telling him he was a failure, and a father who was known for his iron fist. This poor guy pops antacids like they are candy. But it felt so real, hell it would be scary to be king and suddenly must know what to do.

And no one told him he was to marry either so resentment there too.

She is the only queen ready to save this country, and together they could be great. But there is a road there and yes some drama on the way. It is fun, it makes you want to smack someone over the head and it felt new. I have sure never read about someone this driven to be queen!

I remember the couple for an earlier book and wanting to read it, and I finally had the chance. Enjoyable and refreshing.

Great narration by Chilton. She gets to portray characters from two made up kingdoms, and she gives the characters different accents so well. She has a nice range with her male and female voices and she truly brings the story together.

When Shanti Mohapi weds the king of Njaza, her dream of becoming a queen finally comes true. But it’s nothing like she imagined. Shanti and her husband may share an immediate and powerful attraction, but her subjects see her as an outsider, and everything she was taught about being the perfect wife goes disastrously wrong.

A king must rule with an iron fist, and newly crowned King Sanyu was born perfectly fitted for the gauntlet, even if he wishes he weren’t. He agrees to take a wife as is required of him, though he doesn’t expect to actually fall in love. Even more vexing? His beguiling new queen seems to have the answers to his country’s problems - except no one will listen to her.

By day, they lead separate lives. By night, she wears the crown, and he bows to her demands in matters of politics and passion. When turmoil erupts in their kingdom and their marriage, Shanti goes on the run, and Sanyu must learn whether he has what it takes both to lead his people and to catch his queen.

TMST: 2021

 

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.

Resolutions/words of the year - do you do them? What are they for 2021?

I never do them, because I ultimately fail. I do have wishes for 2021, like Covid calming down, people getting vaccinated. Life moving on.

SO here is my wishing post

We do FINALLY have our house ready, ok not ready, the workroom is filled with boxes, the garage needs to be finished and we have no yard. I do want more finished things!

But anyway I really want this to be a year with my daughter. Her father was so busy last year with finishing the house.  I want to go to the beach that is now close by, I want to take lots of bikerides to explore by road too. I want to with a friend find these rocks/caves somewhere in the woods where the people of this village hid 300 years ago in the middle of winter from marauding Russians. I want to take hikes, I hope that something kid friendly can be organized this year so we can attend with her. She keeps talking of things we did in -19 and hopefully next November maybe things can be held .

That's it!

EXPLORE

That is my word for 2021

We have already begun :)

Next week

Bookish jobs: if you could do something in the bookish world for employment, what would you choose and why

Carole's Monday: The Paris Deadline

 

Author: Max Byrd

Narrator: Dennis Holland

Title: The Paris Deadline

Genre: Historical Fiction, Mystery

Format: Audiobook

Pages: 328 

Published:   August 20th 2012

Where I got It: Audible

Summary: 

Paris, 1926. Newspaper reporter Toby Keats, a veteran of the Great War and the only American in Paris who doesn’t know Hemingway, has lived a quiet life—until one day he comes into possession of a rare eighteenth-century automate, a very strange and somewhat scandalous mechanical duck. Highly sought after by an enigmatic American banker, European criminals, and the charming young American Elsie Short, the duck is rumored to hold the key to opening a new frontier in weapons technology for the German army, now beginning to threaten Europe once more. Haunted with his nightmarish past in the War, Toby pursues the truth behind the duck.

From the boites of the Left Bank to the dark prehistoric caverns of southern France, The Paris Deadline is a story of love, suspense, and mystery in a world stumbling toward catastrophe.

Review:

I stumbled upon this while looking at the mystery section in Audible. I had enjoyed a previous audio I listened to by this author, so I decided to give a whirl. 

It is 1926 and Toby Keats is an American newspaper reporter in Paris. He was a veteran of the Great War and loves this city. He loves his quiet life until he comes into a possession of a rare 18th century automate. It is a very strange and somewhat scandalous mechanical duck. It is highly sought after by an American banker, European Criminals, and Elsie Short. The duck is rumored to hold the key to opening a new frontier in weapons  technology for the German army. Toby will risk it all to find the truth.  

This was for a unique story with a unique set of characters and a weird mechanical duck. I had no idea what to really expect and I liked that. I really felt like anything could happen at any point. 

I did go back and forth on how I felt for Toby. I think I had a love-hate with him if I am to be frank. There were times I had to roll my eyes at him but I enjoyed his tale and he was a good egg. I was rooting for him to succeed and get the girl and the duck. 

That poor mechanical duck ;) 

There were some slow parts here and Toby seemed to ramble a bit. Which fit his personality. He was for sure a rambler and thorough. I mean - he is a writer after all and this is his writings and accounts of what happened during that weird time in his life. 

I adored the narrator. He was really good and his accents were fantastic from what I could tell. 

Besides for the slow parts, I really enjoyed this. It was for sure a unique story with a unique characters. I was not sure how it was all going to end and I will say the ending got me there! WOAH! So good. I would love to see more Toby and his adventures. 

I highly recommend this especially if you need a fun mystery. I'll give this 4 stars. 

Challenge(s):
- #2 for Audiobook challenge

 

Part 2. DNFS of 2020

 

Again it is time for those poor books that just did not cut it.

Christmas at the Island Hotel by Jenny Colgan

I just did not feel it, and I always like Colgan. It was like too many people, too much of nothing

And that rich guy, son of Duke from Norway? What killed it there was that he wanted butter on his toast, just say butter, you don't have to say the Norwegian word, it is still butter 

The merriest magnolia by Michelle Major

I am soooooooo bored

The diary of a bookseller by Shaun Bythell

Boring. Next!

Raven Black by Ann Cleeves

Trying to find another mystery to love. Fail

The blackhouse by Peter May

Nope, I just can't get into these other mysteries

Still life by Louise Penny

Nope, not this mystery either.

A touch of stone and snow by Milla Vane

Been trying to listen for 2 months, I can not get into it

Everyone brave is forgiven by Chris Cleave

No time for something not good

Here to stay by Adriana Herrera

It was the male narrator, I just could not understand him

Better luck in 2021!!

Heartstone by Elle Katherine White

Paperback, 333 pages

Published January 17th 2017 by Harper Voyager

Series: Heartstone #1

Fantasy PP variation

Own

I did expect a bit more, since omg fantasy meets PP! And it was good, and I am certainly interested in more, but this was my last book of 2020 and I was like expecting epic ;)

15 minute to 2021. Will make this fast

Aliza was fun. I liked how she was nice to gnomes, and I do wonder about her heritage, I want to know more about that.

Daired was prideful as he should be. His friend Bensey was a better Bingley than Bingley, same for Aliza's sister.

Oh and their Wickham, what an asshole!

Monsters a plenty. Fighting, the PP story in the background. It was quite enjoyable. The romance was as quick as PP, but oh well.

I do want more. Something is still coming

Her relief is short-lived. With the arrival of the haughty and handsome dragonrider, Alastair Daired, Aliza expects a battle; what she doesn’t expect is a romantic clash of wills, pitting words and wit against the pride of an ancient house. Nor does she anticipate the mystery that follows them from Merybourne Manor, its roots running deep as the foundations of the kingdom itself, where something old and dreadful slumbers . . . something far more sinister than gryphons.

It’s a war Aliza is ill-prepared to wage, on a battlefield she’s never known before: one spanning kingdoms, class lines, and the curious nature of her own heart.

Elle Katharine White infuses elements of Austen’s beloved novel with her own brand of magic, crafting a modern epic fantasy that conjures a familiar yet wondrously unique new world.

Audio: Duke looks like a groomsman by Valerie Bowman

By: Valerie Bowman

Narrated by: Christine Rendel

Series: The Footmen's Club, Book 2

Length: 8 hrs

Release date: 01-01-21

Publisher: Tantor Audio

Historical romance

To review

In the last book we saw how 3 men pretended to be servants at a houseparty, now we learned more about their bet. Rhys just wants to win the bet, he does not want to have someone fall in love with him and not his title like his friend does. Or like his other friend who jumps at the chance to find a traitor to the crown.

So Rhys works as a groomsman, and then the woman he thought the would marry comes to the stable. Omg, these two! Rhys left because of real reasons, but he should have told her! Then he got angry because she much much later on meets someone new. Well she had not heard from you in a year, of course she moved on. You do not get to be angry, you also left because you are a silly Duke! Julianne oh she got be angry, she thought he would propose and then he just left.

She tortures him quite a bit because he wants to win his bet and she does everything to make him fail. Rather amusing. And I also wanted them to talk, really talk, to get it all out. Also to fall madly in love again, as they never stopped.

Of course they are still silly even close to the end, only because they are both so stubborn, but love always finds a way.

I liked them, stubborn idiots as they were. It was an easy listen. Though it does end with a cliffhanger of sorts, about that third guy I told you about, he who wanted to find a traitor so this leads into his book.

It's always hard when one already has someone, I am always but what about! Oh do not worry, we meet her fiance' in the end and he is an asshat. Totally worth dumping.

Good narrator, easy listening too. Good voices, and as always, historical romance is so good in audio. I prefer it these days 

Rhys Sheffield, the Duke of Worthington, has bet his friends an ungodly sum of money that despite his loftiness, he can pass himself off as a servant at the house party of the Season. But when his clever ex-flame arrives and recognizes Rhys in the stables pretending to be a groomsman, she realizes it’s the perfect opportunity to pay him back for breaking off their engagement.

She’s the bride-to-be.

The lovely Lady Julianna Montgomery may be the only young woman at the house party who’s not in the market for a husband. She’s quite happily engaged to a marquess, thank you very much, and scarcely remembers the pain of being callously tossed over by the Duke of Worthington nearly two long years ago—till now.

All bets are off.

Rhys seems to be everywhere, flexing his muscles, laboring in the sun—and Julianna has never found him more appealing. With his signature charm, he persuades her to keep his secret. But when she learns he’s determined to win a bet of honor, she can’t resist playing a game of her own. She’ll spend the next fortnight tempting Rhys at every turn and making him lose his precious wager. Even if it means she must lose her heart in the process…