Carole's Monday: Bayou Blue

Author: Lexi Blake

Narrator: Jessica Almasy

Title: Bayou Baby

(Butterfly Bayou #2)

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Format: Audiobook

Pages: 319

Published: August 25th 2020

Where I got It: Borrowed from the library

Summary: 

Seraphina Guidry loves Butterfly Bayou. A young, single mom, she’s trying to find a place for herself in the town she cherishes, but past mistakes have made her wary. She adores her son but has sworn off men. She's dedicated herself to restoring a historic house and building her own business. A quiet life is all she wants.

Harrison Jefferys never expected to find himself in small-town Louisiana, but he has a job to do and a family to reconnect with. After years in the Army, he’s happy to spend time with his Aunt Celeste and his cousins in such an idyllic spot. When he meets Seraphina, he starts to think Papillion might be a great place to call home. But a secret from Sera’s past rears its head and threatens to tear the community apart.

 

Caught between the woman he’s coming to love and the only family he has left, Harry knows he has to follow his heart and with the help of the crazy, loving, meddling locals find a way to keep them both.

Review:

I want that puppy! And I want that porch! I am in love with the cover and this book. 

In book 2, we are back in Butterfly Bayou. We follow Seraphina who is a single mom who is trying to find her way in this small town. However, things are not easy with her past mistakes still getting in the way. She adores her son and doesn't have time for dating. After her aunt dies, she's dedicated herself to restoring the historic house and maybe building her own business. When Harrison comes to town Sera finds herself having issues staying away from him. Harrison never expected to find himself in this small town, but he wants to reconnect with the only family he has left. He's happy to spend time with his Aunt Celeste and his cousins but he is drawn to Sera who has secrets and Aunt Celeste hates her because of what she did.

I liked book 1 but I LOVED this one. This had the perfect blend of small town, drama, love, and comedy. This would be the perfect Hallmark movie ;) 

Harrison was adorable and I loved him. I loved Sera too. They were perfect for each other and it was beautiful to see them fall in love. 

What I loved was that we have our two lovebirds, but there is a third character that we get to see grow and fix her broken heart. Aunt Celeste could be labeled as the antagonist and she does wear that hat here and there, but she is much more than that and she wears many hats. I really loved the ending scene on the porch between Aunt Celeste and Sera. It brought tears to my eyes. Tears of sadness and joy. Such a beautiful scene!!

Can I just say it melted my cold heart seeing the dog and baby interact? It was adorable!!!

The narrator was fantastic and fit perfect. 

In the end, I really LOVED THIS BOOK. I adored book 1, but this one was even better. Not only do we have a love story between two great characters but we also get to watch a heart-broken woman find her way to peace. The dog and the baby were cute cherries on top! You could get away with reading this as a standalone, but I do recommend book 1 as well.

I shall stamp this with 5 stars. 

Challenge(s):
- #28 for Audiobook challenge

Discussion: Shadow and Bone

 

This month we went a little rogue. Instead of a book or movie, we decided to review the 1st season of Shadow and Bone. 

I am in red and Carole in purple.

Title:  Shadow and Bone
Genre: Action, Adventure, Drama, Fantasy

Released: April 2021
Season: 1 - 8 episodes
Rating: TV-14


Dark forces conspire against orphan mapmaker Alina Starkov when she unleashes an extraordinary power that could change the fate of her war-torn world.

TRAILER: 

DISCUSSION:

***SPOILER WARNINGS***

 I had the lowest hope, YA fantasy, ha, omg this would be so bad. So cliche, everyone would look like models, and boom, ooops, i fell in love ;)

I was worried too bc YA fantasy is a tough genre. It is easy to fall into the cliche circles. I’ve wanted to read the books but was too scared. Same with the show...I was scared. BUT I am glad we took the risk and watched it (*cough* thanks for forcing me hehehe  *cough*). I fell in loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee too!

I mostly fell in love with the Darkling though *happy sigh* Omg Ben Barnes and that scruff, that is what dreams are made of. Were there other actors? Where?

Hahaha he was indeed dreamy! I liked Mal too, not AS dreamy, but def the guy you would take home to meet your parents. The Darkling is the bad boy you never take home because you know mom would fall in love too ;) 

LOL. True. I know falling for the bad boy is so cliche, but OMG that scruff. Fine, yes I have a huge Barnes crush. Mal, meh, I had actually none feelings, I was mostly confused why he and Alina never had acted on their feelings, I did not really buy their, omg we suddenly love each other thing.

Barnes is dreamy and the Darkling’s powers ROCKED! Scary but awesome. BF really wants/thinks Mal has a secret power because of how well he can sense things and track really well. I can buy that. But I agreeeeeeeeeee….I don’t understand their relationship. It’s like they both have feels but don’t act on it and then they get mad at each other. I don’t understand it. I was so mad at them both about being so DENSE about the letter thing. Like...come on! Use your dang heads. 

Yes, what so they never got drunk, never sat in a tent on a campaign and thought omg tomorrow we die? I can in the end believe that, but I can’t believe that they both had feelings. Why never say so then?

Hmm, powers? Interesting

RIGHT? I have a hard time imagining they never once accidentally kissed or something. Hopefully we see more in season 2 or Alina gets with the Dream Boat. IDK. SOMETHING.

And yessssss BF thinks he has a power that he doesn’t know about. Did he ever get tested? They didn’t really show it. He was always hurt WHICH BF thinks he might be like Wolverine because he has been so close to death SO many times and hasn’t died and heals relatively quick….so who knows?!

I was so caught up in my crush that I did not consider that. It does make sense!

I didn’t consider or think it either, but he’s convinced (I think he has a mini guy crush on Mal hahaha). 

I do hope we get to see more powers in the next season. There are some powers we really didn't see in action. I want to learn more about the Darkling powers too. 

More powers please.

But first, some negative things, I was confused coming into this world. It made no sense. The fold? The world? I had to check some maps to get a handle of things. Like how they could not go around the fold. How the Gang came there, what ship? I thought they were like the next town over or something.

I agree. I was a little confused too. I re-watched the first episode and I did some research to understand this world. As far as I know you CAN go around it (which was mentioned quickly by someone) but you have to cut into the enemies’ territory in order to do so and they are at war with them. As for the other country I think they are not on good terms with them either (that is the country Alina’s parent is from). Sooooo I’m beginning to think that this country doesn’t get along with anyone so they rather take their chances and go through the dark fold. 

Here it’s where it does not make sense. You only need a thin patch of land. You take your army, conquer and hold it. And then people can go through. Like do it!

But if you’re at war with like 2 other countries and they ripped in half….they are not making good decisions. And now the one half wants to ditch the other half and be its own country. They have a lot of problems. They have a dumb king who makes dumb decisions. 

But they only ever showed that army on two sides of the fold. Like why? I know you hate your neighbors, but think how they could prosper, they could demand a tax for going around. But yes I still think brute force. You just need to go around, not an entire country

That would be smarter but that one country is crazy witch haters and wants all the witches to burn so I can see them not caring about getting extra money from them because they harbor the witches and employ them. Dumb rulers the lot of them. I don’t blame the Darkling for just wanting to be in charge. Heck...I think they need a strong hand. Dumb humans. 

Same, I get why the Darkling wants to change things, and omg all countries suck. Kill all humans!

Sometimes I found myself siding with him. Those humans are terrible and have no loyalty and are terrible to the grisha. Humans always fear what they do not understand. Such a pity because it’s so cool that some people have these powers. 

Right, what did you think of the kidnapping gang? I was not at all interested in them. The goat thing was cute though.

I got more interested in them as the story went on and especially when I realized that their actions really were going to play a huge role in the events about to happen. Especially in the last episode but it did take me a bit to be interested in them. I really did adore the gunslinger. That is going to be interesting in the next season. He is awesome. And that goat! Bring the goat back!!

I just found it so hard to believe they could pull it off. Like hello, everyone hates you, up your security! And Inej, dunno what to feel, like I can’t kill, and then kill! Also those grishas did nothing! So I kind of hated them there.

I thought it was so impossible it might be possible that they COULD pull it off. I bet they are going to be game-changers in the next season. I feel like this was a warm-up for them. OMG the security in that place shocked me….how could the Darkling allow for weak borders like that? No background checks? No heartranders double-checking? I did want to see more Grishas siding with Alina….I was disappointed in them but they were so blinded by the Dream Boat….which….can you blame them?

I’d be blinded. What else, I can’t remember now. I did like when we learned about Darklin’s past, I got him then. From what  I understand Alina was not half Shu in the book, and it had me confused here. Like how did she end up here then? Did one of her parents dump her there? Was Mal half Shu too?

From what I gathered her parents and his parents died in the fold. I wonder if they were soldiers too? I do want more backstory of HOW they ended up orphans and what not. I am curious about reading the book (at least book 1) and seeing how different and maybe getting more backstory about the world. 

Oh right, I forgot! But yes how could one of her parents be Shu then? Questions! It was weak on backstory.

That is my biggest issue was the lack of backstory. You get small snipbits here and there but I really think we needed more. 

Omg it is getting late here. Awesome show! I binged it. I am team Darkling. I do NOT want him to end up with Alina, they can all die. I want him to rule, mowuahahahahahahahaha

Sameee. We have to do the last bit of yard work. But yess...I binged it twice. It was a really good show. Just wanted more backstory, but it works overall. I adore the Darkling and Mal...maybe Mal and Alina will switch sides and join him. MWUAHAHAHAHA. Let the Darkling rule the world ;) But yes - I for sure recommend. I do want to read book 1 now. 

I do NOT want to read the books. You can try that. Watch it!

The end?

I’ll let you know how book 1 goes hehe.

The end!

Looking Glass by Christina Henry

Paperback, 336 pages

Published April 21st 2020 by Titan Books

Series: The Chronicles of Alice

Fantasy

Own

Obviously you need to read the two previous ones before this one...

There are 4 novellas. In the first we meet a young girl, Alice's sister who finds out she has powers too. I liked it and I was unsure about it at the same time. Where is the story heading? Will there be more?

In the next one Alice finds refuge in a house in the woods and there be monsters.

Then we have Hatcher's past. Gods, this city is dark.

And then we end with another dark story when Hatcher and Alice finds a creepy village. I sure hope they can find their happiness. But then they haven't even found his kid!

All the questions, I guess there will be more.

Some stronger, some not. An interesting dark world that seems like pure hell to be honest. Very depressing where humanity shines in the worst possible ways. 

Lovely Creature

In the New City lives a girl called Elizabeth, a girl who has a secret: she can do magic. But someone knows Elizabeth's secret--someone who has a secret of his own. That secret is a butterfly that lives in a jar, a butterfly made by a girl called Alice.

Girl in Amber

Alice and Hatcher are just looking for a place to rest. Alice has been dreaming of a cottage by a lake and a field of wildflowers, but while walking blind in a snowstorm they stumble into a castle that seems empty and abandoned...at least until nightfall.

When I First Came to Town

Hatcher wasn't always Hatcher. Once, he was a boy called Nicholas, and Nicholas fancied himself the best fighter in the Old City. No matter who fought him he always won. Then his boss tells him he's going to battle the fearsome Grinder, a man who never leaves his opponents alive.

The Mercy Seat

Alice has a secret--a secret that not even Hatcher knows yet, but pretty soon she won't be able to keep it from him. 

Audio: Glitter gets everywhere by Yvette Clark

Narrated by: Morag Sims

Length: 6 hrs and 33 mins

Release date: 05-04-21

Publisher: HarperCollins

MG Fiction

A novel about a tween going though stages of grief. I do like books that deal with real things when it comes to YA, or well this must be MG.

Kitty lost her mother, and now they are moving from London to New York. She is trying to deal with a new city, new friends, and trying to go on without her mum. Real, sad,but s much more. Family life. Worry about her father will find someone new. He first crush, and falling in love with a new city.

I liked Kitty, she was just a normal kid, doing normal things, in a not so normal time of her life.

I enjoyed it, not much more to say. Grief like glitter gets everywhere.

Good narrator, she had great voices for kids and adults. I felt very at home with her style.

After Kitty's mother dies on an inappropriately sunny Tuesday, all Kitty wants is for her life to go back to "normal"--whatever that will mean without her mum. Instead, her dad announces that he, Kitty, and her sister are moving from their home in London to New York City, and Kitty will need to say goodbye to the places and people that help keep her mother's memory alive.

New York is every bit as big and bustling as Kitty's heard, and as she adjusts to life there and befriends a blue-haired boy, she starts to wonder if her memories of her mum don't need to stay in one place--if there's a way for them to be with Kitty every day, everywhere.

Graphic Novel: Little Victories by Yvon Roy

 

Paperback, 154 pages

Published May 25th 2021 by Titan Books (first published 2017)

Fiction Graphic novel

To review

I was given this the chance to review, and I decided yes. And it was really good.

Is he the best father? Yes and no. He finds it hard when he finds out his son is autistic. His Wife leaves, but he puts himself together and does everything he can for his son. Truly everything. All their time together he tries to figure out what makes his son tick, what makes him scared, and how to overcome it the best he can. 

I liked how it was drawn, and the story is lovely. He does turn out to be a great father. And there is some happiness at the end too. You know I like that.

But yes, graphic novels in e-form so does not work for me. I tried on my computer but scrolling down to read one page and then up again to read the other book. Not the medium for me. But in paper it would obviously be perfect.

The award-winning graphic novel autobiography of a father, and the challenges he faces raising his autistic son.

A beautiful visual exploration of the highs and lows experienced by a parent learning how to adapt to his son’s autism. Faced with a challenging road ahead, the author uses creative flair and ingenuity in order to connect with his son, enabling him to reach his fullest potential and prepare him for the transition into adulthood.

This stunning insight into the nature of autism and the daily struggles of a parent uses humor and compassion to convey its message. This is the perfect creative outlet for anyone – from parent to teacher – looking for detailed information on the subject with a more personal touch.

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.

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

OH, I am the worst with these. I do not know when ANYTHING is published. I do know that a new Peter McLean book is out now like any day, but other than that. Yeah, nothing. When I want a book I check my list, are they out yet? No, ok it can wait another 6 months

Carole's Monday. A Barren Stage

Author: Matthew de Lacey Davidson

Title: A Barren Stage: Collected Poems, Essays, Short Stories, and Novels

Genre: Short stories, Poetry, Essays

Format: ebook

Pages: 664

Published: April 6th 2021

Where I Got It: Given to me by the author/publisher for my honest and unbiased opinion.

Summary: 

Matthew de Lacey Davidson has written poems, plays, short stories, and two novels in a variety of styles and genres. This volume incorporates a new cycle of 99 sonnets; a collection of earlier poems which have been revised for this edition; his short story collection, "Roses in December: Haunting and Macabre Tales"; "The Worst Dogs - A Progressive Murder Mystery"; and an historical novel concerning civil rights leader Frederick Douglass' first trip to Ireland in 1845, "Precept - A Novel". "Precept" was voted one of the top ten self-published books of 2018 by thebookbag(dot)co(dot)uk. 

Review:

I have read so much of this author's work that I was excited to be given this collection and asked to review it! Of course, I had to say yes! :D

This author really has a huge range. Not only do we have a huge collection of different genres, but we have a variety of poems, short stories, and essays. It is a nice collection of work and there is something for everybody. 

It was nice to re-read some of the author's work like "The Worst Dogs". I read this last year and I liked it as much as I did back then. Even though I knew the ending, I still enjoyed re-reading this and looking for hints and clues I might have missed from my first time going through! It is such a good mystery that I still recommend it for sure!

The poems are amazing. They range from different topics and styles which is refreshing! I honestly found the few poems about the cats extremely heart-warming. They were my favorites I think!

The pieces that talked about social issues like race really spoke to me. The author truly knows how to show the reader and make the reader feel the words and emotions.  

I did find the essays interesting to read. Some were more serious in nature and he goes through some topics that you have to be in the right mind for. I tried reading one right before bed and I could not focus on it. I had to read the essays during the day so I could fully stay focused. 

One essay I really enjoyed was "In Defense of Minor Characters".In this, the author discusses the role of minor characters and why they may seem 2D or not as fleshed out as some people may want. *cough* I'll admit there are some side characters I feel are neglected and I want more story and development for them. BUUUUUUUUT that is just me being biased because I adored the side character (sometimes more than the hero ;) ). However, I really do side with the author and agree that sometimes writers have to limit the development for side characters because they have certain roles to play for the story. Also....no one has time to read 1,000 page books. I know I don't!

There is a LOT of content in this collection. From old stuff I have read to new stuff I couldn't wait to check out. I enjoyed this collection quite a bit! Like I said earlier there really is something for everybody. From emotional cat poems to serious essays about minor characters' roles in stories to a murder mystery! You will find something you like here! I'll admit there were some things that weren't for me, but I enjoyed this collection overall and I know I'll revisit some of my favorite pieces in the future. I'll stamp this with 4 stars. 

How to find a princess by Alyssa Cole

Narrated by: Karen Chilton

Length: 10 hrs and 48 mins

Release date: 05-25-21

Publisher: HarperAudio

Contemporary romance

To review

The narrator did a good job, I felt her voices were distinct and it was easy listening to. It is someone I would listen to again.

Bez is looking for an heir to the throne of Ibarania, and comes to investigate Makeda.

Ok, so first, wouldn't it be better to investigate her maybe grandfather? Who knows who he might have married and gotten kids with after this. But ok for the story it is Makeda (her gran had a fling with a maybe prince and thinks Makeda should go for it since there is this whole Become our Prince/Princess and get some cash).

Makeda used to be a doormat, no more. So FU Bez. Makeda is going nowhere. She insults Bez, Bez tries to win her over.

Then came to meh part, the journey they take. It was SO long. And nothing happens, and everything happens in the last 5%. I would have wanted more there.

I did like that it takes time for them to fall for each other, as it should. And it gives Makeda time to wok on herself and not be such a pushover. And I liked how Bez was just so warrior!

I enjoyed it (though maybe less ship next time).

Makeda Hicks has lost her job and her girlfriend in one fell swoop. The last thing she's in the mood for is to rehash the story of her grandmother's infamous summer fling with a runaway prince from Ibarania, or the investigator from the World Federation of Monarchies tasked with searching for Ibarania's missing heir.

Yet when Beznaria Chetchevaliere crashes into her life, the sleek and sexy investigator exudes exactly the kind of chaos that organized and efficient Makeda finds irresistible, even if Bez is determined to drag her into a world of royal duty Makeda wants nothing to do with.

When a threat to her grandmother's livelihood pushes Makeda to agree to return to Ibarania, Bez takes her on a transatlantic adventure with a crew of lovable weirdos, a fake marriage, and one-bed hijinks on the high seas. When they finally make it to Ibarania, they realize there's more at stake than just cash and crown, and Makeda must learn what it means to fight for what she desires and not what she feels bound to by duty.

The Promised Queen by Jeffe Kennedy

Kindle Edition, 416 pages

Expected publication: May 25th 2021

Series: Forgotten Empires #3

Fantasy

For an honest review

Ok, so first, me and my memory. But, what I do know is that I liked this last one the best. I remember not feeling connected to the characters in book 1, in book 2 ( I cheated and checked, I started to like them, you see they were both rather harsh at first.) But here the strangest thing happened. I liked both at once, the story flowed at once. I jumped in feet first and was swam along.

Book 3, shit is going down! We have the evil emperor that, omg, srsly, the events in book 2, I am not going to say anything, but that felt like a first! I mean damn, damn! Whaaaaaat?! Pure evil, pure evil. Right, evil emperor to bring down. Lia, who is not really human, but, it was weird, like born from a flower, connected to the island that is a goodess, monster, island. Loved the fact that regents here are connected to their land, and there is a connection that must thrive or the land fails. And it is blood that counts, so a invading emperor does not cut it. I am rambling, but there is so much to say!

Where was I? Lia, queen of the last kingdom standing. Conri, her husband invaded her country to have a stand against the evil emperor. They had a rocky start, but now they, almost fully trust and want each other. She is insecure as she must always stay in her country, and he has his own. But hey love will conquer all.

A fight is coming. Win or loose. Nothing in between.

There was a side character that I really wanted more about, then I got more and got a bit disappointed, why? Well because I kind of wanted an entire book, lol.

Book 1 is usually the book that I like the most in a series, but here book 3 was the one. Things came together, and they did not behave like aholes. But truly, the best part was that foundation that the ruler of the country, is by blood its rightful ruler. I found that concept really interesting. Because what happens when said rulers are killed? Or taken away.

I enjoyed this last book. Nice finish that left nothing to worry about

Claim the hand that wears the ring, and the empire falls.

Conrí, former Crown Prince of Oriel, claimed the hand that wears the Abiding Ring, but the prophecy remains unfulfilled. Queen Euthalia of Calanthe returned to her island kingdom, but broken in mind and body. With the blood of war unleashing ancient terrors, Calanthe isn’t the haven it once was.

Lia must use her magical bond with Calanthe to save their people while Con fights to hold off the vengeful Emperor Anure and his wizards. Con and Lia will have to trust in each other—and in love—to fend off ultimate disaster. 

Audio: In search of us by Ava Dellaira

Narrated by: Adenrele Ojo

Length: 11 hrs and 5 mins

Release date: 03-06-18

Publisher: Brilliance Audio

YA Fiction

Own

I was not sure about this one at first, but later I saw that it was how it went from Angie's story to Marilyn's that confused me. Audio can be hard that way. When I understood that it was a 2 pov story then it flowed better.

Angie grew up with a young single mom. And then she finds out her uncle might be alive, is her dad too? Oh Angie, I mean how your mum can't even talk about him I doubt it. She takes off with an ex (how she meant to find him in a city of millions I do not know.) I absolutely understood why Angie wanted to find out where she comes from.

The other POV is 18 years earlier when Marilyn and her mum moves in with her uncle (who is an alcoholic ahole). Her mum is pushing Marilyn to become a model/moviestar, and Marilyn just wants to go to college. And then she meets a boy...

I did not understand why Marilyn just did not tell Angie more about her dad, but at the end, sigh, I understood, and my heart broke. But still, Marilyn knew someone for less than a year and never moves on?

It came to a point where the book made me cry. It was just so true... I liked the book.

Good narrator too. All her voices flowed well

This sweeping multi-generational love story introduces readers to mother-and-daughter pair Marilyn and Angie. To seventeen-year-old Angie, who is mixed-race, Marilyn is her hardworking, devoted white single mother. But Marilyn was once young, too. When Marilyn was seventeen, she fell in love with Angie's father, James, who was African-American. But Angie's never met him, and Marilyn has always told her he died before she was born. When Angie discovers evidence of an uncle she's never met she starts to wonder: What if her dad is still alive, too? So she sets off on a journey to find him, hitching a ride to LA from her home in New Mexico with her ex-boyfriend, Sam. Along the way, she uncovers some hard truths about herself, her mother, and what truly happened to her father.

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.

Are you an introvert or an extrovert?

Introvert. Yes, but I even tied taking this quiz and got introvert, still I do feel like an ambivert. I can do both roles, but I feel most at home as an intovert

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

Carole's Monday. Attracting Aubrey

 

Author: Avery Flynn

Title: Attracting Aubrey

(Gone Wild #3)

Genre: Novella, Contemporary Romance

Format: ebook

Pages: 154

Published: March 24th 2020

Where I Got It: My shelf (Amazon freebie)

Summary: 

I never dreamed I’d meet my celebrity crush while stealing every single pair of my best friend’s pants.

Trust me, my life is not that wild. In fact, the most excitement I usually get is running my fan-favorite Insta thirst account featuring butt-tastic pics of Hollywood superhero Carter Hayes. So, imagine my shock when, in the middle of the cruise ship hallway, I realize the guy whose shirt I'm stuffing slacks inside of is Carter disguised as a tourist. How I manage not to faint dead away, I've got no clue.

When word leaks that Carter might be on board, he asks me to help him maintain his cover. There’s no way I’m gonna say no to that. I just don't share that I’m the anonymous woman behind the fan account that reported sighting him onboard. No biggie. Right?

However, when things between us go from friendly to hot to OMG-I-can’t-keep-my-clothes-on-around-him, all I can do is hope he never discovers my secret. You see, somewhere along the way, Carter went from an untouchable movie star to the man I’m falling for.

Review:

Whooops. Totally read this out of order. Didn't realize it was book 3. Luckily this can totally be read as a stand-alone. 

We follow Aubrey and Carter who meet on a cruise. Carter Hayes just wants to get away and be a normal guy for just a few days. He's a Hollywood star who plays in a superhero but he's feeling burnt out. Aubrey is a superfan of Carter and recognizes him right away. When word leaks out that Carter might be on board, he asks Aubrey to help him maintain his cover. She says yes...of course....even though she was the one who is behind the anonymous fan account that reported the sighting of him onboard.

This was a fun, light read. Perfect for summer or rainy days. It made me want to go on a cruise even though I am not a fan of cruises.

There is insta-lust for sure but it worked for them. 

The feelings snuck up them and that worked for them too. 

I liked Carter and Aubrey. They were for sure made for each other. And how cute that a superfan gets to be with her celebrity crush???? JEALOUS!

My only issue was how quickly and easily they resolved their issues. Granted I do not think the issues were THAT bad. SURE she should have told him it was her who made the leak BEFORE they become a pretend thing and then a real thing. So he for sure over-reacted. I get being mad for....a couple of hours? But get over yourself sir. And she caved too soon and forgave him too soon. Booooooo. 

Besides that, I liked this a lot. It was cute and fun and for sure worth it. It does standalone okay, but now I am curious about the first 2 of the series. 

In the end, I'll give this 3 stars.  

Short Movie Review: Otherhood

A grounded, soulful, celebratory comedy about three mothers and their adult sons. The film explores the stage after motherhood, Otherhood, when you have to redefine your relationship with your children, friends, spouse, and most importantly, yourself.

Director: Cindy Chupack
Writers: Mark Andrus (screenplay by), Cindy Chupack (screenplay by) 
Stars: Angela Bassett, Patricia Arquette, Felicity Huffman

1h 40min | Comedy

It was not bad, not awesome, just one of those movies that you can watch and enjoy.

Recommend
If nothing else is on, sure

A time of blood by John Gwynne

Mass Market Paperback, 496 pages

Published April 18th 2019 by Pan Macmillan (first published April 16th 2019)

Series: Of Blood and Bone #2

Fantasy

Own

I am behind on my reviews, writing my third one!

Where to start. Riv turned out to be a half breed, and all those before her have been killed. Lots of infanticide going on behind the screens of the so perfect angels, who turned out to be evil asshats . Pretending to be all righteous, all while sleeping with warrior women and having their offspring killed. Anyway, Riv lived, got wings, and the there is someone new at charge now who is not all kill the kids.

Drem is running from evil things in the woods. While Riv is all anger, Drem is calm. I like him.

I am all reviewed out. Gotta make this quick.

Lots of things going on. Baddies coming! FU baddies. Grrr angels, they are so evil. And then the end, damn, now I need book 3!

Drem and his friends flee the battle at Starstone Lake to warn the Order of the Bright Star. They’ve witnessed horrors they’ll never forget, such as magic warping men into beasts. But worst of all, they’ve seen a demon rise from the dead – making it even more powerful. Now Fritha, the demons’ high priestess, is hunting Drem’s party.

Concealed in Forn Forest, Riv struggles to understand her half-breed heritage. She represents the warrior angels’ biggest secret, one which could break their society. And when she’s found by the Ben-Elim’s high captain, he swoops in for the kill.

As demonic forces multiply, they send a mighty war-host to overthrow the angel’s stronghold. This could decimate the fractured Ben-Elim. And their allies in the Order may be too overwhelmed to send aid – with Fritha and her monstrous beasts closing in. Like heroes of old, Drem and the Bright Star’s warriors must battle to save their land. But can the light triumph when the dark is rising?

Audio: Spin the Dawn by Elizabeth Lim

Narrated by: Kim Mai Guest

Series: The Blood of Stars, Book 1

Length: 13 hrs and 54 mins

Release date: 07-09-19

Publisher: Listening Library

YA Fantasy

Library

I am not the best with YA fantasy, I keep trying cos they sound good and then they turn out to lack worldbuilding, being cliche, love triangles, angst, and 16 year olds that are the best assassin/thief/effing mafia boss in the world. BUT this was not that. This was great, this was wonderful worldbuilding, a heroine with flaws and who is not the best at absolutely everything (though she is one great seamstress!), no love triangle, no angst.

It really is project runway meets Mulan. Maia's father is called to enter a competition to become the Emperor's tailor. But Maia's father is a drunk, her brothers except one is dead so she dresses like a man and goes. Even though it is  forbidden. And she is one hell of a seamstress, and not to mention, owns a pair of magical scissors.

This pretend fantasy China was great, I liked everything about it. I liked Maia too, she was strong and even when others tried to hold her down she did not give up.

I kind of need a third comparison, cos the only Mulan thing was that she dressed as a boy. Then there is this whole adventure she takes too when she is looking for secret things. 

Great story, good characters, and even a romance that starts to blossom. And then is ends and I am all, nooooo! I need book 2!

Great narration, omg I keep using great, I need new words. But yes the narration really worked for this book, perfect in audio form

Project Runway meets Mulan in this sweeping YA fantasy about a young girl who poses as a boy to compete for the role of imperial tailor and embarks on an impossible journey to sew three magic dresses, from the sun, the moon, and the stars.

Maia Tamarin dreams of becoming the greatest tailor in the land, but as a girl, the best she can hope for is to marry well. When a royal messenger summons her ailing father, once a tailor of renown, to court, Maia poses as a boy and takes his place. She knows her life is forfeit if her secret is discovered, but she'll take that risk to achieve her dream and save her family from ruin. There's just one catch: Maia is one of twelve tailors vying for the job.

Backstabbing and lies run rampant as the tailors compete in challenges to prove their artistry and skill. Maia's task is further complicated when she draws the attention of the court magician, Edan, whose piercing eyes seem to see straight through her disguise.

And nothing could have prepared her for the final challenge: to sew three magic gowns for the emperor's reluctant bride-to-be, from the laughter of the sun, the tears of the moon, and the blood of stars. With this impossible task before her, she embarks on a journey to the far reaches of the kingdom, seeking the sun, the moon, and the stars, and finding more than she ever could have imagined.