Audio: A wicked bargain for the Duke by Megan Frampton

Narrated by: Jilly Bond

Length: 9 hrs and 35 mins

Release date: 04-27-21

Publisher: HarperAudio

Historical romance

To review

 The Duke was, oh what to say, rigid, stiff, former military, in want of a wife. A proper, quiet wife.

Lavinia is the life of the party. She also writes romance novels under a male name. Not proper, not quiet.

Thad wants to marry Lavinia's sister Jane, Lavinia thinks that is a stupid idea and does everything to stop it. Boom, marriage of convenience.  And both are unhappy. Thad missed out on his proper wife, Lavinia wants more (though his thigh muscles are to die for.)

They argue, they fall in love without knowing it, and a very realistic for time. It is awkward, he things it was great, she was all this is it? Yes no magical orgasms for everyone and best time ever. They had to understand each other.

Oh and there are excerpts from her book too. I liked those sprinkled in.

It was nice to see these two fall in love. I enjoyed the book.

I liked the narrator, she did have good distinct voices for everyone, though her voice for Thad was very manly indeed

Thaddeus, the new Duke of Hasford, holds his new title reluctantly, but his sense of duty is strong. Task number one: find a wife and secure an heir. He thinks he’s found the perfect choice in Lady Jane Capel—until her sister, Lavinia, bursts onto the scene. Vivacious, rebellious, and strikingly beautiful, Lavinia is determined to keep him away from her shy, sweet sister. And she’s also determined not to think so much about his broad chest and strong thighs.

When Lady Lavinia and Thaddeus end up in the most compromising position, witnessed by Lavinia’s mother and nearly everyone at a party, they’re forced to get married to protect their reputations. With no love between them, but with an heir to conceive, they strike a bargain in bed. Only Lavinia demands passion, and Thaddeus complies, with both of them realizing this marriage of convenience may turn into much more...

Audio: It happened one autumn by Lisa Kleypas

Narrated by: Rosalyn Landor

Series: The Wallflowers, Book 2

Length: 11 hrs and 10 mins

Release date: 04-20-21

Publisher: HarperAudio

Historical romance

To review

Narration: I always like Landor, she is great with historical romance. She gets the voices, from male, to female to posh ahole Viscountess.

Story: Second wallflower gets her moment in the sun. Lillian is not proper, she says what's on her mind, she does improper things, and I like her. She sounds fun.

Marcus, omg in the last book he was so posh, proper and boooo, sure he did something good at the end though. It showed his soul. And here, well he is fascinating by Lillian, but is also all, no, she is not a silent English rose.

They argue a lot, they drive each other insane, and they want to rip each others clothes off.

I enjoyed it, and there was some drama at the end. Grrrrr baddies!

But, the next book, I am not sure, see the love interest in that one behaved like a real asshat in this one. But at the same time I am really curious how it will play out. Still, he did something unforgivable.

I liked it 

Headstrong American heiress Lillian Bowman has come to England to find an aristocratic husband. Unfortunately, no man is strong enough to tame the stubborn beauty's fierce will. Except, perhaps, the powerful and arrogant Earl of Westcliff—a man Lillian despises more than anyone she's ever met.

Marcus, Lord Westcliff, is famous for his icy English reserve and his supreme self-control. But something about the audacious Lillian drives him mad. Whenever they're in the same room, they can't stop themselves from battling furiously to gain the upper hand.

Then one afternoon, a stunningly sensuous encounter changes everything...and Lillian discovers that beneath the earl's reserved façade, he is the passionate and tender lover of her dreams. What neither Westcliff nor Lillian suspect, however, is that a sinister conspiracy threatens to destroy any chance of happiness. After a shocking betrayal endangers Lillian's safety—and possibly her life—will Marcus be able to save her before it's too late?

Movie Discussion: Thunder Force

This month Carole and I are reviewing, Thunder Force. 

I am in red and Carole in purple.

Title: Thunder Force

Genre:  Action, Adventure, Comedy
Running Time: 1h 46min
Rating: PG-13 
Released:  9 April 2021

Netflix


In a world where supervillains are commonplace, two estranged childhood best friends reunite after one devises a treatment that gives them powers to protect their city.

TRAILER: 

DISCUSSION:

Jen told us to watch this, so I did, I really had no idea what to expect.

Yesss I had never heard of it before but then Jen said it was good and you said it was good so I watched it…..and it was good! I really adored it!

They are both obviously great actors, and comedy gold. Not to mention a different story and two that you would not expect as heroes. But who said heroes had to come in one boring kickass format.

Agreed! It was refreshing. I get so tired of the same ol’ hero format. Hot guy. Hot girl. All young and whatever. In this we have two total opposites who are in their 40s and can still kick butt. While making us laugh. OMG the crab guy. I had to pause because I could not stop laughing at their dance scene. 

Omg, I loved Bateman in this! He made no sense, lol. They killed it, I was disgusted and rooted for them at the same time. Best crab ever

Sameeeee. I was grossed out but I wanted him and her to be together. LOL Doesn’t make sense but it was hilariously adorable. Now we need a lover for the 2nd of the dynamic duo. She deserves a HEA too!!!!!! I want a 2nd movie darnit. 

True, she needs a HEA, but at the same time, I feel that she is such a strong independent woman that she needs no man. But if she got one, hmm, I am seeing a fellow scientist ;)

Agreed. They both don’t need no man but I think she deserves someone like a fellow scientist who can keep up with her esp when the daughter goes off and wants to do her own thing. That daughter is equally or even more smart than her so I can totally see her wanting to make her own empire. It would be nice to have a guy or girl or whoever to keep her entertained and keep her bed warm. She deserves to have a fellow scientist. 2nd movie pleaseeeee!

Oh I so need another movie. There are many more baddies out there for them to fight. And also to see Bateman and Melissa dance again, haha, or butter each other up. Yes best lovestory ever. And to see the kid and her new powers. You hear me netflix?! More please, you all did good here

Yessss best lovestory ever. So funny. So awkward. So cute. So clap-worthy. I approve! Maybe they will expand their team! Get more people to have more powers. Take down the baddies. There is a whole world left to explore. Good job Netflix. 

I feel like I have nothing more to say. It was good, it was funny, great actors! What more can one say?

It’s so hard to review good things. LOLLLLL Our discussion reviews are always way shorter when the book or movie was super good. But yesssssss. It was worth the watch and I’m glad I watched it. I really liked it. The story. The characters. The love. The friendship. The comedy! All good and fun!

The end?

‘Til next time my friend!

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.

4/27/2021 What’s your blog-hopping strategy?

I used to have a good strategy, I got everything done in the morning, but then I had a kid. So that does not work anymore. Now I try to get it done while I am watching tv, cos I want to get that done too. But yes I am more than often several days behind on my blog hopping.

But no stress! It is then it gets to be a job. Just roll with it

5/4/2021 What have been some of the biggest challenges you've faced to continue blogging and how did you solve them?

5/11/2021 List your top 5 favorite books/series

5/18/2021 Are you an introvert or an extrovert?

5/25/2021 What books are you looking forward to reading in Summer 2021 (June - August)?

Carole's Monday: How to catch a sinful Marquess

 

Author:  Amy Rose Bennett

Narrator:  Elizabeth Jasicki

Title: How to Catch a Sinful Marquess

(The Disreputable Debutantes #3)

Genre: Historical Romance

Format: Audiobook

Pages: 336

Published: August 25th 2020

Where I got It: Audible 

Summary: 

A reserved debutante and a former soldier make an unlikely but fated match as they hasten for the Isle of Skye.

Orphaned heiress Olivia de Vere should have the world—or at least the men of the ton—at her feet. But when she's thrown out of a young ladies' academy, Olivia doubts she'll ever find someone who will love her, rather than her bank account. To make matters worse, her dissolute cousin Felix is determined to marry her against her wishes. A virtual prisoner in her guardians' London townhouse, Olivia can’t help but develop a tendre for her neighbor, a handsome Scottish marquess.

Battle-scarred in more ways than one, Hamish MacQueen, Lord Sleat, has braved many dangers in life. But nothing has quite prepared him for the shock of having a young child dumped on his doorstep, with a note claiming she’s his daughter. Just in the nick of time his pretty neighbor appears, offering to act as a nursemaid for the young girl on their journey to his estate in Scotland. He suspects she has her own reasons for wanting to flee the country…

 

The close traveling quarters leads to a fierce attraction between Olivia and Hamish that seems impossible to resist. But when ghosts from the past and monsters from the present threaten to tear them apart, will their unlikely love survive?

Review:

This has been the book I've been itching to read in this series. I adore Olivia and Hamish but I was good and read in order ;) 

Olivia is an orphaned heiress who had been thrown out of a young ladies' academy years back doubts she'll ever find love or happiness. To make things worse, her cousin is dead set on marrying her for her money. As a virtual prisoner in her guardians' London townhouse, Olivia can't help but dream of the handsome Scottish marquess. Hamish MacQueen has braved many dangers in life but suffers from terrible memories and nightmares. When a young child is dumped on his doorstep with a note saying that the child is his, he is at a loss. Just in a nick of time Olivia appears and offers to act as a nursemaid. Traveling in close quarters leads to a fierce attraction between Olivia and Hamish that seems impossible to resist, but will the ghosts of their past tear them apart? 

These two have had a sad and tragic past. You can't help but feel so bad for them. Olivia lost her parents in a tragic accident and she has been treated as a prisoner by her terrible family. Hamish had a monster of a father and then had to deal with war. Lots of issues to work through before they could fall in love. Lust was quick but the love took a long, long time. Which I felt worked. 

I did have to laugh at how oblivious Hamish. Sure, he didn't care at the time and probably was drunk, but he had met Olivia once and he is neighbors with her family. How did he not know who she was? How did she get away with her lie for SO long??? So unrealistic if I'm to be honest. 

I loved the add-on mystery of the little girl. The mom just tossed her on the porch and left because she couldn't support her anymore. I think it added to the story and the character development for all. That little girl was so cute! I adored her! I hope we get to see her more! 

Oooooo Felix. *shakes fist* I wonder if he's going to be showing his ugly mug in the next/last book. I do not think we are done with him. He's a monster. 

Honestly, this was my favorite of the series for sure. I loved watching our characters grow and fight their battles and fall in love. 

I read a lot of reviews and the narrator seems to be controversial. The first two were narrated by someone else (I had only listened to book 1 and I remember liking her) but for this one, they changed the narrator. A lot of people were meh, but I actually really liked her voice. I thought she did a good job with our characters male and female. I will say a couple of the men sounded like they overly super growly or hoarse/old, but it worked oddly for some of them. 

In the end, this was my favorite of the series! I love our lovebirds and I enjoyed their journey. Can't wait for the final book. 4 stars. 

Challenge(s):
- #21 for Audiobook challenge

The Mercies by Kiran Millwood Hargrave

Hardcover, 352 pages

Published February 6th 2020 by Pan Macmillan

Historical fiction

Library

I need to try a quick review, but they are so hard. Weird that way.

I do not think I have read a book set in Norway during this time, not to mention the farthest north you can get. And I did not know about the devastating storm either, but then why would I.

The storm kills all the men, the women tries fishing to feed themselves. Good! No, not good, because men are stupid and will blame everyone, fishing is men's work! And omg you are so witches. And then this evil witch hunter shows up. Omg, nothing makes me angrier than zealous religious types. A woman wears pants, witch! The Saami are not "white", not Christian, Witch! 

I have heard that they used to try women by drowning them, but if you can swim? Witch, obvi. Arghhh. And the whole blaming, jealous and mass paranoia. Seeing witches everywhere. Humans are scum.

Noteworthy edit, I am actually related to an accused witch ;)  But it seems we were a tad bit nice and just fined and exiled her. So she moved 2 villages over. Story over

I enjoyed it, the pages flew by, it was an easy read

Finnmark, Norway, 1617. Twenty-year-old Maren Magnusdatter stands on the craggy coast, watching the sea break into a sudden and reckless storm. Forty fishermen, including her brother and father, are drowned and left broken on the rocks below. With the menfolk wiped out, the women of the tiny Arctic town of Vardø must fend for themselves.

Three years later, a sinister figure arrives. Absalom Cornet comes from Scotland, where he burned witches in the northern isles. He brings with him his young Norwegian wife, Ursa, who is both heady with her husband's authority and terrified by it. In Vardø, and in Maren, Ursa sees something she has never seen before: independent women. But Absalom sees only a place untouched by God, and flooded with a mighty evil.

As Maren and Ursa are drawn to one another in ways that surprise them both, the island begins to close in on them, with Absalom's iron rule threatening Vardø's very existence.

Inspired by the real events of the Vardø storm and the 1621 witch trials, The Mercies is a story of love, evil, and obsession, set at the edge of civilization.

Audio: Her first desire by Cathy Maxwell

Narrated by: Justine Eyre

Length: 8 hrs and 27 mins

Release date: 04-27-21

Publisher: HarperAudio

Historical romance

To review

Excellent narration by Justine Eyre, she is after all one of my favorite narrators. Her male and female voices are done well, and I always know who is speaking. She gets a book going.

Gemma had a bad marriage, is staying with her asshat BIL, and just wants out. Then she gets a letter from her uncle and off she goes. Yes ugh her inlaws, you are better without them. She finds a rundown tavern and decides to make it into something new. The little town is filled with scary matrons, but if you have them on your side then you are golden.

I liked Gemma, she wanted more, and she is determined to get it. And she can get mad too, oh that was funny, you will see.

Ned on the other hand, oh he was stiff and proper. He has also been courting someone for 2 years cos the matrons told him to. The girl is bored by him, but she wants a new life too. Yes that point was a bit tricky. But they care nothing for each other...He is engaged to someone, and obvi sparks will fly between him and Gemma. Well first they will hate each other, but then sparks will fly. Still I have to see it this way, he would be a totally unfeeling husband who would forget that his wife is alive when he is studying, and his wife would be miserable because he would never love her. She deserves better (and will probably find love in book 3.) Because Ned needed someone like Gemma, who told him he is an idiot and argued with him.

I liked the story (but the matrons were scary, lol.) I do wonder about the next book, the couple seem so unlikely, but that will fun to see.

She arrived in town, beautiful and bold and declaring that she’s inherited property that he has already claimed! As a member of the local Logical Men’s Society, Ned Thurlowe prides himself on thinking clearly and calmly at all times. And it’s clear that the meeting place of the society—a local tavern—is his even if the men have turned it to shambles.

But Ned’s claim is challenged by Gemma Estep, who’s announced she’s decided to turn it into some sort of respectable tea garden for the local ladies. Ned challenges Gemma, and in doing so, behaves most illogically, for though he wants to dismiss her, he also can’t help but desire her.

Gemma has had enough of men telling her what to do, and she’s vowed to make her own way in the world. And Ned Thurlowe is ruining her plans. Not only has he laid claim to her property, pitting them in a heated fight for its ownership, he’s also arousing in her feelings she’s never sensed before.

And although they argue, they quickly discover they have more in common than they’d each ever dreamed—could their disagreement be turning into desire?

Dragon shadow by Elle Katharine White

 

Paperback, 381 pages

Published November 20th 2018 by Harper Voyager

Series: Heartstone #2

Fantasy

own

I think I liked this one more than book 1, I do like when that happens.

Nothing remotely Pride and Prejudice about it anymore.

Alastair and Aliza are married. He gets a contract in the far north to hunt something, and she comes along. On the way they will meet dangers, something seems to be tracking them, and when they finally arrive there is a mystery to solve, and death follows.

I get that Aliza wants to follow, but omg the dangers, you should have stayed home. I also want to learn about the silent kingdom. I really need book 3, I hope to have some answers at last.

Alastair, well I must say he was more fun when he was arrogant. Now he is so mellow.

But I liked it, and I need more now. I need to know what is awakening! 

The Battle of North Fields is over—or so Aliza Bentaine, now a Daired, fervently wants to believe. But rumors are spreading of an unseen monster ravaging the isolated Castle Selwyn on the northern border of the kingdom. When she and Alastair are summoned from their honeymoon by the mysterious Lord Selwyn, they must travel with their dragon Akarra through the Tekari-infested Old Wilds of Arle to answer his call.

They are not alone on this treacherous journey. Shadowing the dragonriders is an ancient evil, a harbinger of a dark danger of which the Worm was only a foretaste, and soon Aliza realizes the terrible truth: the real war is only beginning.

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.

Have you ever dreamed of becoming an author?

I would not say dreamed, but I started writing stories when young, when I was 12 I started writing a lot, when I was 16 I started ona  fantasy series, and yes considering how much material I have...at least a trilogy. Not really finished though, in Uni I started to write less. I started to blog instead. But I still think of my fantasy series, that no one will ever see.

But the work to get it published or self published, nah

4/27/2021 What’s your blog-hopping strategy?

Caole's monday: Miss Frost saves the Sandman

 

Author:  Kristen Painter

Narrator:  Hollis McCarthy

Title: Miss Frost Saves The Sandman (Jayne Frost #3)

Genre: UF, Paranormal, Cozy Mystery, Fantasy

Format: Audiobook

Pages: 270

Published:  November 20th 2016

Where I got It: Audible 

Summary: 

Welcome to Nocturne Falls, the town that celebrates Halloween 365 days a year.

Jayne Frost is a lot of things. Winter elf, Jack Frost's daughter, Santa Claus's niece, heir to the Winter Throne and now...private investigator. Sort of.

When the Sandman comes to Santa’s Workshop, the shop Jayne manages, to do his first ever book signing, it’s a major event. He’s kind of a supernatural celebrity and she needs to keep him happy.

All is well until trouble shows up at the party thrown in his honor. Trouble in the form of Luna Nyx, the Mistress of Nightmares and his creepy counterpart. The Sandman’s assistant says Luna is dangerous, and Jayne believes it when her dreams turn dark.

Can Jayne keep the Sandman safe from this gothic goddess? Or will Luna’s threats put them both to sleep for good?

Review:

Loving this series!!

In book 3, we continue following Jayne Frost who is a Winter elf, Jack Frost's daughter, Santa's niece, heir to the Winter Throne, runs her family's store, and helps solve crimes here and there. When the Sandman comes to the store to do his first ever book signing with his first book. He's a supernatural celebrity and Jayne needs to help keep him happy. All is well until trouble shows up at a party thrown in his honor. The Mistress of Nightmares is his creepy counterpart and his ex-wife. Can Jayne keep the Sandman safe? Or will her threats put everyone to sleep for good?

These are so much fun! I'm really loving the series. Jayne is so sweet and I want to be her BFF. The other characters are always a blast. This town is so much fun! Can I live there?????

Now - I will say you need to at least read book 2 before diving into this one. There is a lot of references to our last book.

The weird love triangle is starting to get a hair old personally. The boys do seem to be wanting more. I have a feeling they will be putting their feet down soon. I stand behind Jayne though. She doesn't want to commit to anyone yet. She is enjoying her freedom and life. I do have a feeling she may have to let them go if they start pushing her to commit. I mean...I would get it if they did, but stick to your guns girl! They are both okay fellas, but you are young keep on dating!

Totally called the whodunit for this one. The REASON I didn't catch, but I was surprised I guessed it. It seemed a little easy this time around. 

I am curious about Lucien. I want to learn more about him. He seems interesting. 

OMG that ending!!!!!!!!!!! I have to start book 4 asap. *starts downloading* You can't leave us like thissssss!!!!! 

Overall, I am loving this series. Not my favorite, but I still really liked it. A fun mystery and I love these characters. I'll give this 3 stars. 

Challenge(s):
- #19 for Audiobook challenge

City of Stone and Silence by Django Wexler

 

Paperback, 363 pages

Published January 5th 2021 by Tor Teen 

Series: The Wells of Sorcery #2

Fantasy YA

Own

In the last book Isoka got stuck on a creepy ship that were trying to kill them, in this book they make it to their destination. A creepy island with things trying to kill them. At least we learn that some ancients built it all, and with dark intentions. Well duh, everything is trying to kill them.

Still not sure why she is a leader, I feel her girlfriend had more leader potential.

It is also the story of her sister Tori who is looking for her. Now this girl has leader potential and is about to cause a lot of trouble in town. I liked Tori.

Lots of death and destruction. I do want book 3now so that I can see how it all plays out 

Django Wexler's City of Stone and Silence is the second book in the cinematic fantasy Wells of Sorcery Trilogy featuring a fierce young woman skilled in the art of combat magic on an epic mission to steal a ghost ship.

Audio: Scoundrel of my heart by Lorraine Heath

Narrated by: Kate Reading

Length: 9 hrs and 15 mins

Release date: 03-30-21

Publisher: HarperAudio

Historical romance

To review

I did not realise that I had already met Griffith in a previous book. Not before his father is executed and the siblings tossed out on the street. Then I went all aaha, I wanted to know what happened to them!

Kathryn wants her inheritance, but that says she has to marry a titled man. Luckily a Duke is advertising for a wife, not so lucky, he is so ugh (but omg to see him fall in love with someone will be epic!) Can her letter win him over?

Griffith is a second son with dreams, but most of his time is spent partying. And then his sister's bestie spends some weeks with them....

Then become friends, they start to fall, but she cant marry a second son. She really wants that inheritance, and he thinks he can never be good enough. And of course then his family disappears from society.

So, yes I really want the Duke's book too, he is so arrogant, stuffy, but still so perceptive. I also want Griffith's brothers book. He is trying to clear the family name. I am guessing he falls for a spy or the daughter of an enemy. Anyway want those two!

And these two fit so well together, but they had to overcome their own issues. I enjoyed it, and as you can see I want more too.

I always like Kate Reading's narrations. She does historical romance well, and I am never lost at who is speaking.

Lady Kathryn Lambert must marry a titled gentleman to claim her inheritance and has finally gained the attention of a duke. Yet she is unable to forget the scandalous second son who aided in her achievement—or his betrayal.

Lord Griffith Stanwick is tormented by the bitter truth that as a “spare,” he will never be able to give Kathryn what she yearns to possess. But when his father is found guilty of treason, Griff detours into the dark and dangerous corners of London, haunted by memories of the woman lost to him forever.

As the duke’s courtship intensifies, Kathryn discovers Griff has become a man to be reckoned with. When old passions flare and new desires ignite, she must decide if sacrificing her legacy is worth a lifetime shared with the scoundrel of her heart. 

One of us is lying by Karen McManus

Hardcover, 361 pages

Published May 30th 2017 by Delacorte Press

One of us is lying #1

YA Mystery

Library

I decided to give it a go when I found it at the library. Did I guess the killer? No, I was sort of sure at one time, but I suck at guessing. Which is great!

5 kids in detention. Bronwyn, the smart kid, Addy who is all about being pretty and having a boyfriend (who is an asshat btw, and so is her mum.) Nate the token troubled kid, Cooper who is a baseball player looking to be scouted, and Simon who created a cruel app that deals with gossip.

Then Simon is dead and they are all suspects. Did one of them do it? Did they all do it? Though Addy's gossip, if major for her, is so not worth killing over. Bronwyn, well yes she was bad. Nate, that is jail for you, yes that was bad. Cooper, well that was tricky, yes and no.

And then there are all the rest that has gotten hurt, but the pressure is on the 4 that were in the room.

I liked it. The heat was on. Who killed Simon?

Pay close attention and you might solve this.

On Monday afternoon, five students at Bayview High walk into detention.

Bronwyn, the brain, is Yale-bound and never breaks a rule.

Addy, the beauty, is the picture-perfect homecoming princess.

Nate, the criminal, is already on probation for dealing.

Cooper, the athlete, is the all-star baseball pitcher.

And Simon, the outcast, is the creator of Bayview High's notorious gossip app.

Only, Simon never makes it out of that classroom. Before the end of detention, Simon's dead. And according to investigators, his death wasn't an accident. On Monday, he died. But on Tuesday, he'd planned to post juicy reveals about all four of his high-profile classmates, which makes all four of them suspects in his murder. Or are they the perfect patsies for a killer who's still on the loose?

Everyone has secrets, right? What really matters is how far you would go to protect them. 

TMST

 

Tell Me Something Tuesday is a weekly discussion post where bloggers discuss a wide range of topics from books and blogging to life in general. Weigh in and join the conversation by adding your thoughts in the comments. If you want to do your own post, grab the question and answer it on your blog. Feel free to leave your links in the comments if you are participating.

When is a book too long?

Never, and it depends. I have read books over a 1000 pages that were not too long. A fantasy book that is 600 pages can feel short.

Then there are those 300 pages books that just feel too long. When there is nothing in them but fillers, when you feel it should have ended 50 pages ago. When author force a book to be longer.

It truly depends....

4/20/2021 Have you ever dreamed of becoming an author?

4/27/2021 What’s your blog-hopping strategy?

Audio: Bridesmates by Sydney Smyth

Author:  Sydney Smyth

Narrator:  Teddy Hamilton

Title: Bridesmates

Genre: Contemporary Romance, LGBT, Novella

Format: Audiobook

Published:  January 28th 2021

Where I got It: Audible 

Summary: 

It's never too late for love in this short, sweet novella - an audio-first nod to a beloved rom-com!

After getting unceremoniously dumped by his boyfriend, the last thing Cooper Evans wants is to return to his hometown of Big Rock, Montana to be in his best friend's wedding. But he agreed to be her Bridesmate (her male maid of honor), and a promise is a promise. What he didn't expect is to run into his high school crush, who's out of the closet and a smoking hot cop to boot.

Will Baker is just as dreamy as he was when he broke Cooper's heart all those years ago - and it turns out he's in the wedding party too. Will Cooper make it through the ceremony with his heart unscathed, or will he risk it all for a second chance at love?

Review:

Awwww. I could not resist this one. The cover, the summary, the title. All too tempting!

We follow Cooper who was just dumped by his boyfriend RIGHT before having to return back to his hometown to stand up his gal pal's wedding as her Bride 'Mate' instead of maid of honor. However, a promise is a promise and he doesn't want to ruin her wedding. Just to add to his bad day, he runs into his high school crush who is now a cop and he is out of the closet AND he is in the wedding party too. Will Cooper be able to make it through the ceremony with his heart unscathed or will he put his heart on the line for a second chance at love?

Ooooo Cooper. Can't even imagine, but I can see why his ex broke up with him. Kinda rude to wait though. The ex should've cut the strings before Cooper told his family and hometown friends that he was bringing a boy home. Rude. 

Will. Boo. Yes, yes, I get he wasn't ready to come out of the closet in High School and all, but how dare you play with Cooper's heart like that and then NEVER talk to him again. He could've reached out. He could've said SOMETHING. Grrr. Not amused good sir!!!!

Yes, this was a sweet second chances love, but I had issues with Will. Yes, he's a hawt cop and all that, but grrrrrr he broke poor Cooper's heart! 

Even with my not-so-sure feelings for Will, I really loved this story. It had some humor. It had some drama. It had love. It was quick and fun and the narrator was fantastic. Loved his voices. 

This is a good springtime listen. Quick and sweet. I really hope Will makes it up to Cooper for the rest of their lives ;) 

4 stars from me!

Challenge(s):
- #17 for Audiobook challenge

- #13 for Romance Bingo - LGBT

Audio: Love of a cowboy by Jennifer Ryan

 Narrated by: Coleen Marlo

Length: 9 hrs and 18 mins

Release date: 03-30-21

Publisher: HarperAudio

Contemporary romance

To review

Cowboy time! Omg the crime, grrrrrrr, it makes me so made when someone is wrongfully accused.

Skye watches a crime and flees for her life, and taking evidence with her to bring down this asshole leader. Yes yes Skye, it is not a cult (it so feels like a cult!) And the place is left just gets worse and worse, it used to be a commune where people farmed and were happy. Then it turned into parties, sex, alcohol and young girls and older men. And no one dares to say no. Ok so that place is horrid.

She runs into Declan while fleeing, and Declan is this handsome kind cowboy and he is smitten at once, and wants to protect her. Awww Declan, you are so kind.

But now she needs to take the asshole leader of her non-cult down, but he has framed her. Action, danger and romance. Sure they fall fast, but hey life is short. It works.

Again, it a really long epilogue. Strange, but it ties things together.

I enjoyed it, brings those assholes down! No mercy

Great narrator, she does female and male narrators well. She keeps a steady pace and makes the story work . I do think this might be my first by her too

Skye Kennedy has always loved the close-knit community of Sunrise Fellowship — but when she witnesses the commune’s new leader commit a terrible crime, she flees...and finds herself in Montana, on the McGrath ranch, and drawn to the stoic yet kind man determined to help her.

Declan McGrath has always handled things himself and focused more on work than his love life. With his newlywed brothers distracted by their beautiful wives, Declan has even more work on his hands. But when Skye arrives at the ranch starving and desperate for work, his loner days are over.

Skye wants to keep her distance and protect Declan from the deadly threats facing her, but soon their relationship morphs into something much more than either of them expected. When she fights back against those out to destroy Sunrise Fellowship, Skye and Declan will have to do everything to protect not just Skye's community, but also their new love.... 

Audio: Secrets of a summer night by Lisa Kleypas

Narrated by: Rosalyn Landor

Series: The Wallflowers, Book 1

Length: 8 hrs and 34 mins

Release date: 03-16-21

Publisher: HarperAudio

Historical romance

To review

Poor Annabelle, all the men of the ton are total asshats! They are all, she is the most beautiful woman here! But too bad she is poor, better wait until she is desperate and thrown out on the street and then she can become a mistress. Asshats!

Annabelle and her fellow wallflowers vow to help each other find husbands. And they go to a houseparty and together they are stronger. I liked Annabelle. Of course I gets ger needing a husband. Her family is desperate. They will be out on the street. And what can they do then?

Then there is Simon, grr, no, sorry, I was not a fan. See he fancies her, but he doesn't want to marry so he is all ok I will wait, make my move when she is desperate and she will become my mistress. Wow, right, so you'd rather be with a woman who will resent and hate you.. That is practically rape. Conflicted emotions here. Not to mention he also believes her to already be this old guy's mistress. Right, she could do better!

Anyway, he watches her at the houseparty while she tries to catch a man. She thinks he is annoying, but the more she gets to know him she likes him. Amusing things happen. His friends is an asshat too, like hello, all women there chase husbands! You do not have to call her out for it!

I liked her friends. The next book is set to be filled with arguing for sure, two strong wills will butt heads.

And yes, I really liked the end when Simon and Annabelle did end up together, even though I called him an asshat. Though it was weird, cos it was 1-2 h left of the story so there was a whole lot of epilogue. We really got to see them settled.

I always like Landor as a narrator, she does really well with romance, historical. She seems perfect for the arrogance some of the ton has, lol.She pulls it off well. 

Proud and beautiful Annabelle Peyton could have her pick of suitors—if only she had a dowry. Her family is on the brink of disaster, and the only way Annabelle can save them is to marry a wealthy man. Unfortunately her most persistent admirer is the brash Simon Hunt, a handsome and ambitious entrepreneur who wants her as his mistress.

Annabelle is determined to resist Simon's wicked propositions, but she can't deny her attraction to the boldly seductive rogue, any more than he can resist the challenge she presents. As they try to outmaneuver each other, they find themselves surrendering to a love more powerful than they could have ever imagined. But fate may have other plans—and it will take all of Annabelle's courage to face a peril that could destroy everything she holds dear.

The Hunger by Alma Katsu

Hardcover, 382 pages

Published April 5th 2018 by Bantam Press (first published March 6th 2018)

Historical fiction

Library

I meant to write a review at once, oh well...

I would not have read this if my bookgroup had not recced it. I fell into at once. She is a great write. Though I can't say I agree with the quote on the cover, utterly chilling. Yeah no, it was never a scary book at all.

Right, The Donner party. Nature is brutal and these people should not have started their trek to Cali this late. And then there is discord sown between on the trail, and oh they want to try this new route. No, do not try the new route!

What this book does is to bring in a paranormal angle too, what made them act like they did, and the woods are dangerous. More than wild animals lurk within.

I really want to try more from her after this one! I liked it a lot. It was more a story of human nature 

After having travelled west for weeks, the party of pioneers comes to a crossroads. It is time for their leader, George Donner, to make a choice. They face two diverging paths which lead to the same destination. One is well-documented – the other untested, but rumoured to be shorter.

Donner’s decision will shape the lives of everyone travelling with him. The searing heat of the desert gives way to biting winds and a bitter cold that freezes the cattle where they stand. Driven to the brink of madness, the ill-fated group struggles to survive and minor disagreements turn into violent confrontations. Then the children begin to disappear. As the survivors turn against each other, a few begin to realise that the threat they face reaches beyond the fury of the natural elements, to something more primal and far more deadly.

Based on the true story of The Donner Party, The Hunger is an eerie, shiver-inducing exploration of human nature, pushed to its breaking point.