Best of May

 

Here are our bests of May! 

Best Movie of the Month:

Blodeuedd - Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania (2023)

Carole - 50 First Dates (2004)

Best Book of the Month:

Carole - The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Blodeuedd - She Who Became the Sun by Shelley Parker-Chan

Best TV show of the Month:

Blodeuedd - XO, Kitty (season 1)

Carole - XO Kitty (season 1)

Best Cover of the Month:

Blodeuedd - "I do not feel I have anything to fit best cover."

Carole's - 

A blogger´s life

 

It took me a long time, but I reached my first blogging burnout.

I tried to pinpoint why, and I am come to a conclusion. I work well under pressure, I live under stress. But I have lost a lot of review contacts during my blogging years, and I was down to 2. Then I was down to 1. It was not the books that kept me going, it was more the OMG, must finish this book at this time!!! That constant pressure fed me.

Now, almost no review books, I had like 2 this month. I have gotten really bad at reading printed books cos I am so audio in love. Less time to listen at work, been bad at walking and listening. I honestly have not had time for books at all!

I did think about quitting. But I would miss you all! So I thought about it, so what if I have one book review posted a week. So what. I will do that, no pressure. Maybe that will get me back in the saddle. I do miss that pressure though, damn I got books read then

But I wanted you all to know, this has been months coming, I have felt it coming for so long.

Movie Night: XO, Kitty

 

This month we decided to review 'XO Kitty' season 1. 

Blodeuedd is in red and Carole is in green.

Title: XO Kitty (season 1)

Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance

Released: 2023

Rating: TV-14

Site: Netflix 


A new love story unfolds when teen matchmaker Kitty reunites with her long-distance boyfriend at the same boarding school attended by her late mother.

Click here for the trailer. 

DISCUSSION:

So we both assumed this was a movie, ooops.

I’m kinda glad it was a show instead. We got more time with Kitty and the other characters. 

True, it worked really well as a tv-series, the only bad part was that damn cliffhanger at the end!!!

OMG that ending!!!!!! We need season 2 asap. At least with the original movie you could be good at the end and leave as is. You wanted more of course, but no crazy cliffhanger. 

Yeah, not cool netflix, considering how many shows they axe!

For real. I’m nervous. It is trending so it seems to be popular-ish at the moment. I have my hope that she will get with a certain character (I don’t wanna spoil anything) because honestly…..I think they fit oddly well together. That character never lied to her or anything. 

Yes, especially if you are thinking of the person you said. The end nailed that idea for me. I wanted it before but that end, awwww. Open your eyes Kitty

I think we are thinking of the same person. I’ll black it out as a spoiler……..[SPOILER ALERT] Min Ho! Love him. I love the enemies-to-lovers vibeeee. He was nothing but honest with her. And him being with her on the plane???? [END OF SPOILER] ADORBS!

Yup, that is right. Loved it. I felt that was genuine. Like first we have hopeless first love, then infatuation, then something real

Like don’t get me wrong I liked the “options” but I think the one I mentioned is the better fit. A mix of them all if you will. LOL

And honestly I did not really see or understand that one crush she had. It felt rather sudden and thrown in. Not to mention it gave bully vibes (even if they became friends later). I just, no

It felt like unneeded additional drama. Sort of like a red herring in a way. There was no way that character was going to even look her way. That character found their person already. 

And if there is another season it will be unnecessary drama, I hate cheating. 

Me too. That whole thing with Dae really, really bugged me. I get it was fake but……maybe he should’ve said something. Even if she didn’t come to Korea to be with him she would’ve seen it on the news eventually. And that looks worse. 

Ugh, I hated it! Like hello, tell her the  TRUTH, and then at least I would have been all ok, I will do it for you so that you have the money. But she would have known he likes her, and not that other person.

Agreed. There was a way to tell Kitty without letting all the secrets out of the bag. She would’ve understood. Granted, we wouldn’t have had the show, but I feel like they could’ve focused on other things. 

It just made me really dislike her, and then we are supposed to like her cos it was all fake? No, I do not forgive that easily. I would have hold my damn grudge

Yes, I did struggle feeling bad for her or forgiving her and then suddenly loving her too. Mmmm. I feel like she was just as bad as her parents. 

I for some reason had an easier time forgiving her mum. So weird. Also, her mum should leave the dad, at once. F reputation.

I have a feeling she will. The dad was an asshat and treats poor people like trash!!!! Terrible dude. OH….is it bad that I want Kitty to get with that young professor too? LOLLL He was adorable and needs a HEA

Ok, so we are both bad, but but! Kitty should like wait 3 years at least. Cos else, euwww creepy.

Of course. Date the young character for 3 years. Go to college and then stumble upon the young professor at some cafe or bar and then they have a meet-cute and fall in love. Marry, babies, and HEA. 

Yes! That would be perfect, gods, that guy was so sweet!

He really was. He deserves the best!! I hope he gets to have the relationship he wants with his parents. He is a gem!

By the way, the whole ending felt really unfair. Like hello! She should have sued the damn school for what that roommate did!!! 

OMG yes. I would’ve sued. But there is hope for sure with that phone call Yuri was making to her mom. Sounds like it’ll be resolved. But how unfair. 

Yes I am sure it will be resolved, but I found it disturbing that it was not called upon. ANd that she rather mentions freaking tissues than that breach of trust. Not to mention she is underage. And I mean wtf

For fing real. And the dudes didn’t get in trouble. I feel like they just wanted to get rid of her. Which how shitty. Just tell Margot she would rip that school apart. SPEAKING of which…I hope we get to see the sisters in the next season. 

I did miss the sisters :/ I really want to see them!! I get if they are busy, but a tiny cameo pleeeeease

Maybe they wanted to just focus on Kitty for the first season? Maybe when they land and they are on holiday they will be there? I have to imagine they’ll be there for Xmas. 

Them at xmas, yes! I hope so. And I hope netflix gives us more.

I hope so too. OMG. It would be funny if they call that character “Dae” and then Kitty has to awkwardly explain EVERYTHING that happened. I want that character to see an actual loving family. 

Oh that would be so funny! Like they are meeting her at the airport and is all Dae!!

That would be a hilarious opener. A nice way to recap on the last season. 

That needs to happen!

For real! And I need that character to sit at the Xmas table and see actual love and affection in a family. 

Srsly, all the feels! If netflix does not use that they are missing out!

Again…we need to be writers for Netflix. We have so many ideasssssss! 

We will write a series or a movie, and it will be freaking amazing. Amazing!

Yessss!

The end?

Indeed! So hard to not give away spoilers….this was good. We need season 2 like yesterday. 

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.

Which books are you looking forward to reading this Summer? (June-August

No idea att all..totally clueless to what is coming

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.

If you are interested in participating in TMST or receiving periodic emails that list the upcoming TMST topics and questions,  please fill out this GOOGLE FORM.  Participation is optional and never required.

Carole´s Monday: Girl Country

 

Author: Jacqueline Vogtman

Title: Girl Country

Genre: Anthology, Short stories, Fiction, Fantasy

Format: Paperback

Pages: 200

Published: May 16, 2023

Where I Got It: My shelf (Publisher/author for my unbiased and honest opinion)

Summary: 

A near-future farmer battling environmental crises takes in

a mysterious girl he finds on the roadside. A bus driver navigates through treacherous weather and memories of her tragic past as she races to save children from the end of the world. A woman keeps giving birth to children from different time periods. And a woman struggles with her young daughter mysteriously transforming into something wild and unruly, confronting themes of motherhood and family.

In Girl Country , stories range from medieval Belgium to the near-future of the American Midwest, populated by

mothers and monsters, mermaids and milkmaids, nuns and bus drivers—women in

every walk of life, but particularly working-class women, navigating the

intersection of the mundane and the magical. Perfect for fans of Orange World

and Animal Wife , these are stories about women with teeth—wild and

alive.

Review:

There is something about that cover that had me wanting to read the summary. Once I read the summary I KNEW I had to check this book out. Plus I can't remember when I last read an anthology...it has been a hot min....

Girl Country

This was one heck of an opener. It was really good, but also really, really sad. I wish we got more! Oof, that ending and those poor women? Creepppppyyyyyy! 4 stars

Once Bound for Earth

Again...I want more from this one! I feel like this could be a full story. What happens next???????? But yes, very good. Liked it a lot. I especially love that moment at the end between our heroine and another character. It did make me smile. 4 stars

Children and Other Artifacts 

Honestly...I think this is one of my favorites. It is such a wild story. Weird and strange, but it has a strong message at the end. Very different and interesting. 5 stars. 

A Love Letter From Very Far Away

Awwwwwww this made me tear up a tiny bit. The ending was a surprise but not at the same time. Hard to explain. When something was mentioned I guessed what was going to happen, but I didn't expect WHAT happened. Again...you gotta read it ;) 5 stars. 

When The Tree Grows This High

This one was really good. It was more simple than the other ones. It was just about a girl navigating life during The Great War. It was sad and bittersweet. 5 stars. 

BI6Foot

I started off not really liking this one. I found myself wanting to skim. However, I was shocked by the twist and ended up liking it more than I thought I would. 3 stars. 

The Hall of Human Origins

I honestly had to stop reading for a few after this one. This one truly makes me think and I took some time to mull this one over. Honestly, this one would be a good one to discuss with others. I'll give it 4 stars. 

Wilder Family

This was a super sad one. It was super weird too and oddly bittersweet. I did like it, but when the end happened all I kept thinking was, "HOW ON EARTH DO YOU TELL EVERYONE?" That's a conversation I would like to listen to. 4 stars. 

Jubilee Year

Not sure why I didn't connect more to this. It had everything I would like, but it fell a little flat. 2 stars.

The Mermaid and the Pornographer

I didn't expect to like this one so much. I wasn't sure what I felt at first, but as the story went along it was tragic and then the ending was fitting. But yes, surprisingly good. 4 stars.

The Preservation of Objects Lost at Sea

This was a nice way to end the collection. I liked this one. The ending was good but it did take a moment for me to get sucked into the story. 4 stars.

Overall, I really did like this collection of stories. There was only one that I didn't like or love. But the majority are good! I def recommend this if you like a mix of genres and stories that have some good twists and turns. Doing some complicated math, I will stamp this with 4 stars. 

Audio: The firefighter´s dilemma

By: Mariah Ankenman

Narrated by: Connor Brown

Series: Mile High Firefighters, Book 3

Length: 7 hrs and 40 mins

Release date: 04-25-23

Publisher: Tantor Audio

Contemporary romance / to review

I like it short, I really should listen to more audiobook novellas.

Steph and Eli both want a promotion, they are both firemen at the same station, and now they will compete in a reality show. Together against others.

They compete, they grow closer, and things happen. It is a novella so it happens fast. But they have been coworkers for a long time, and now they are in close proximity to each other. 

But they are still working towards that same promotion and there in lies the drama.

Short, but just the perfect length. Some romance, some drama some happily ever after

Good narration. It was done well and it kept me hooked.

Firefighter Stephanie Díaz won’t let anyone stop her from becoming the youngest female fire chief in Denver. Not the jerks who’d like to see an ambitious Latine woman admit defeat. Not the ultra-bro firefighters she has to work with. And definitely not her ridiculously hot and often infuriating, fellow firefighter Eli Ward. Now Stephanie has the chance to prove to everyone that she’s got what it takes…but there’s one helluva catch.

The Battle of the First Responders is a live, balls-out competition in the secluded Rockies and Stephanie has been selected—along with Ward as her partner. On the line are their reputations, a whole lot of cash…and the promotion they’ve been fighting for. Teaming up is the perfect chance to finally settle their never ending one-upmanship, but it also exposes the smoldering attraction they’ve held at bay.

Now their days are fueled by a high-stakes, adrenaline-fueled competition. Their nights are filled with sizzling deep kisses that steal her breath away. But this sexy little fling is about to set off a five-alarm blaze she can’t control…

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.

Which tropes do you enjoy the most? 

I am not sure. I like them when I read them, but let me think.

Romance:  I do like enemies to lovers, fake dating, marriage of convenience, grumpy-sunshine

Fantasy: The chosen one, farmboy hero,  the oldies are never wrong for me

Which books are you looking forward to reading this Summer? (June-August)

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.

If you are interested in participating in TMST or receiving periodic emails that list the upcoming TMST topics and questions,  please fill out this GOOGLE FORM.  Participation is optional and never required.

Carole´s Monday: The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang

 

Author: Helen Hoang

Title: The Kiss Quotient

Series: The Kiss Quotient #1

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Chick Lit

Format: Paperback

Pages: 323

Published: June 5, 2018

Where I Got It: My shelf (Xmas gift)

Summary: 

Stella Lane thinks math is the only thing that unites the universe. She comes up with algorithms to predict customer purchases—a job that has given her more money than she knows what to do with, and way less experience in the dating department than the average thirty-year-old.

It doesn't help that Stella has Asperger's and French kissing reminds her of a shark getting its teeth cleaned by pilot fish. Her conclusion: she needs lots of practice—with a professional. Which is why she hires escort Michael Phan. The Vietnamese and Swedish stunner can't afford to turn down Stella's offer, and agrees to help her check off all the boxes on her lesson plan—from foreplay to more-than-missionary position...

Before long, Stella not only learns to appreciate his kisses, but to crave all the other things he's making her feel. Soon, their no-nonsense partnership starts making a strange kind of sense. And the pattern that emerges will convince Stella that love is the best kind of logic...

Review:

I was so excited to unwrap this for Xmas! I have been wanting to read this!

Here we follow Stella and Michael. Stella is all business and loves math. However, she wants to get better at having sex and she figures that she should hire a professional....so she hires an escort to help her. In comes Michael who has turned to the escort service to get as much money as possible to help his family. He decides to accept Stella's plan and help her learn and check off all the boxes of her lesson plans. Before long the two will fall for each other but things couldn't be more complex. 

I really enjoyed this one. It was different and refreshing. I also loved the fact that Stella, our heroine, has Asperger’s Syndrome. She is so smart and has money, but she has issues with some things. I also loved that when Michael finds out he literally doesn't care. He just loves her and understands her. However, he has a laundry list of issues too.

They fit together perfectly and there was insta-lust, but it takes them some time to realize it was more than lust. 

I do feel like the love a little quick. I would've liked more time for them just talking and learning about each other. Don't get me wrong...there were convos...but I felt like they mainly only talked dirty or banged. More talking one-on-one would've been nice. I also would've liked to see more at the end. Maybe see the proposal. I felt like we spent too much time in the bedroom and that blow-up drama near the end. It seemed to go on too long and I was meh about certain parts of that.

Other than that, this was super sweet. Stella is loveable and Michael is a good egg. 

However, I adored Quan. *swoon* LOVE HIM! He does get to have his own HEA in book 3 so I can't wait!

Overall, I liked this a lot. Cute couple. Fun side characters. I would've liked more talking and seeing more of their HEA at the end. I'll give this 3 stars. 

Audio. Aziel by Eve Langlais

 

By: Eve Langlais

Narrated by: Veronica Fox

Series: Elyon's Warriors Series, Book 1

Length: 5 hrs and 52 mins

Release date: 05-09-23

Publisher: Tantor Audio

Scifi romance /to review

Another Eve Langlais series and I wanted to try it. 

It was  shorter than some, but it still worked well. And  it was well quite something.

Lillith believes in science, but then this big hunky angel?! shows up. And suddenly there are demons and what on earth is going on?

The angels, oh they are confusing. They come from outer space. Earth has been left to itself. So are they angels, are they aliens? It was intriuing.

But there is romance too, obvi. Some feelings will start, but first they hate each other.

I do wonder about the next book, pretty sure there will be a new angel/human mix. Hell is coming.,

Good fun narration. It was quite something

It took an angel to make me believe in love.

As a woman of science, I am an unabashed, agnostic atheist—until I meet my first angel. Aziel, with big, beautiful wings, claims he's here to stop humanity from being annihilated. Sounds impressive, but I have questions.

Full of arrogance and demands, he wants access to my life's work while blaming me for the coming apocalypse. It seems my innocuous signal seeking life beyond our galaxy succeeded. Someone heard my invitation, and now the world is in grave danger. At least according to Aziel.

As I get to know him, I find myself reevaluating everything I thought I knew. More surprising than my sudden belief in religion, though, is my irrational love for an overbearing angel. But will he defy Heaven's orders to save me?

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.

Many would make a great one, but in the end it all depends on the people making. I was not impressed by Wheel of Time, I was not impressed by the new lord of the things series. Fantasy is tricky, yeah maybe I should not take about fantasy.

Which book/series would make a great movie/tv series? 

I want to see an urban fantasy series, like Mercy Thompson and the like. That would be bloody amazing!!!

As for romance, I often read books that I would love to see as movies. More romance movies that are not drama please

Which tropes do you enjoy the most? 

Which books are you looking forward to reading this Summer? (June-August)

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.

If you are interested in participating in TMST or receiving periodic emails that list the upcoming TMST topics and questions,  please fill out this GOOGLE FORM.  Participation is optional and never required.

Carole reviews: The seven husbands of Evelyn Hugo

Author: Taylor Jenkins Reid

Title: The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo

Genre: Historical Fiction, LGBTQ, Contemporary, Romance

Format: ebook

Pages: 398

Published: June 13, 2017

Where I Got It: My shelf (Amazon)

Summary: 

Aging and reclusive Hollywood movie icon Evelyn Hugo is finally ready to tell the truth about her glamorous and scandalous life. But when she chooses unknown magazine reporter Monique Grant for the job, no one is more astounded than Monique herself. Why her? Why now?

Monique is not exactly on top of the world. Her husband has left her, and her professional life is going nowhere. Regardless of why Evelyn has selected her to write her biography, Monique is determined to use this opportunity to jumpstart her career.

Summoned to Evelyn’s luxurious apartment, Monique listens in fascination as the actress tells her story. From making her way to Los Angeles in the 1950s to her decision to leave show business in the ‘80s, and, of course, the seven husbands along the way, Evelyn unspools a tale of ruthless ambition, unexpected friendship, and a great forbidden love. Monique begins to feel a very real connection to the legendary star, but as Evelyn’s story near its conclusion, it becomes clear that her life intersects with Monique’s own in tragic and irreversible ways.

Review:

Been eyeballing this book for a little bit, but then it was picked for Book Club SO I got the push I needed to read this emerald. 

Here we follow Monique and Evelyn. Evelyn Hugo is and was a Hollywood movie icon. She is aging and wants to tell the truth behind her glamorous and scandalous life. She tracks down Monique who is a nobody writer trying to make her way and now her husband has left her. Monique takes the job to tell Evelyn's story. Write a biography and maybe this will jumpstart her career. By the end of it, Monique will discover and learn so much about Evelyn and herself. She will also learn the tragic way her life intersects with Evelyn's. 

I was literally hooked from page 1. There is something about Monique and Evelyn that is dazzling. I literally stayed up way too long finishing this because I just HAD.TO.KNOW. There is a BIG reveal near the end that just cemented my love for this book. 

What I loved most about this was that Evelyn knew she wasn't a good guy all the time. She knew her flaws and what she was willing to do to get to the top. I love a good complex character like that. She had a heart and she wasn't evil, but she knew what she wanted and she knew how to get it. 

I found the format really interesting. Each section of the book (there are 7) is named after her husband. She had 7 of them and married them all for VASTLY different reasons. I also loved that we Evelyn's story as if we were listening to the recording. It is her story in her words. It felt right. 

Now...I shouldn't be surprised she fell in love with a woman. That is part of the whole story and not a spoiler. However, I was surprised by WHO she fell for. That was a bigger shock than the big reveal at the end. And to be frank.................I think she could've done better. That lady was meh and by the end, I did warm up to her a bit, but I didn't like her. I might be in the minority here, but I felt like Evelyn deserved better. But you love who you love I guess. 

I loved Harry. I loved his and Evelyn's friendship. 

The ending....damn. That was good. 

My only "issue" with the book is that I wanted more time with Monique and the aftermath of what she writes. We get to see a clipping of her feature (like an excerpt), but what did she end up doing? I want more. Maybe a sequel. Call it.....'The Seven Books of Monique Grant' and have another person take her story. GAH! That would be fun. 

But yes, I ended up really adoring this book. I feel like this is a good contender for book of the year. It's up against some goodies already, but I really liked this. I wouldn't mind checking out the audio one day. 5 stars from me. 

Challenge(s):

- #16 for Romance Reading Challenge - Green dress

Tycoon by Joanna Shupe

By: Joanna Shupe

Narrated by: Courtney Patterson, Ryan Stone

Series: Knickerbocker Club, Book 0.5

Length: 3 hrs and 7 mins

Release date: 05-09-23

Publisher: Tantor Audio

Historical romance /to review

Audio novella! I was all in, I can do short.

A quick start. Ted is about to board a train, a strange woman grabs him. Play along, play along! But he is rich as f. Women always throw themselves at him. 

Clara saw something bad and sees a chance and hopes the man will play along.

Together at a train for a few days. Sparks fly, but she does not tell him the truth. Which sure, ok she wants to protect him, but no wonder he gets mad and thinks something else at the end.

A bit of drama before that happily ever after.

A short story that works.

Good narration, a male and a female narrator that takes the two povs and it works well.

Standing on the platform at Grand Central Depot, Ted Harper is surprised by a fiery kiss from an undeniably gorgeous damsel in distress. He's certain she's a swindler who's only after his money, but he's never met a woman so passionate and sure of herself. Disarmed, he invites her to spend the journey to St. Louis in his private car—perhaps against his better judgment . . .

Clara Dawson has long known how to take care of herself, but the savvy shop girl is at a loss when she witnesses—and becomes entangled in—a terrible crime. Desperation propels her into a stranger's arms at the train station, but she hadn't expected Ted to offer her the protection she so badly needs—nor did she expect their chemistry to develop more steam than the engine of the train. He's everything she never thought she could have, and she's everything he didn't know he wanted. But as her secrets begin to unfurl, their fledgling romance could be in danger of derailing before they arrive at the next station.

Audio: Crush the King by Jennifer Esteop

By: Jennifer Estep

Narrated by: Lauren Fortgang

Series: A Crown of Shards Novel, Book 3

Length: 13 hrs and 59 mins

Release date: 03-17-20

Publisher: HarperAudio

Loan/fantasy

Since I still have my free trial I decided to continue to see how Evie fares.

We finally meet the Bellonan king, he seemed rather typical evil fantasy king. I felt that Evie had more chemistry with him than her husband, lol. His son though just seemed like a ahole. Oh the king was a sadistic ahole too, don´t get me wrong

Anyway they go away to a festival with all the other kingdoms. And the people holding them are some sort of Island Bank "kingdom". Though we never get why they are evil and what they want (other than being a real kingdom and not some sort of free trade state.)

But Evie succeeds in everything she does, and she has this evil masterplan that I figured out at once.

It is great fun, but really light (but bloody) fantasy. Evie is always in trouble and does stupid things but wins the day.

Good audio narration. There is a spin off series, but we will see. I did look at what it is about, but for some weird reason all the three books follows exactly the happenings in this series.

Queen Everleigh Blair of Bellona has survived the mass murder of the royal family, become a fearsome warrior trained by an elite gladiator troupe, and unleashed her ability to destroy magic. After surviving yet another assassination attempt orchestrated by the conniving king of Morta, Evie has had enough. It’s time to turn the tables and take the fight to her enemies. 

There is no better opportunity to strike than during the Regalia Games, a time when warriors, nobles, and royals from all the kingdoms come together to compete in various sporting events. With the help of her loyal friends, Evie goes on the attack at the Regalia, but things don’t turn out the way she hopes. Soon, she is facing a terrifying new threat, and she will have to dig deep and learn even more about her growing magic if she has any chance of defeating her foes.

Because to secure her throne and ensure her kingdom’s survival, Evie must think like a true Bellonan: she must outsmart and outwit her enemies . . . and crush the king.

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.

Do you prefer to read a series as the books come out? Or do you prefer to wait until the series is finished? 

Wait, no no! Then I would STILL be waiting for some. I mean sure sometimes I wish like with Sanderson. I will be reading those when I am 70. 

I will read as they come. 

Which book/series would make a great movie/tv series? 

Which tropes do you enjoy the most? 

Which books are you looking forward to reading this Summer? (June-August)

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.

If you are interested in participating in TMST or receiving periodic emails that list the upcoming TMST topics and questions,  please fill out this GOOGLE FORM.  Participation is optional and never required.

Carole Reviews Sandler movies

So I randomly went on an Adam Sandler movie-binge. Don't ask me why....I started with '50 First Dates' and went on from there. I didn't realize Hulu had so many of his movies there so I went a lil nuts! 

This is literally my favorite Adam Sandler movie! I love him and I love Drew Barrymore. They are both fantastic in this movie.

Such a great cast along with our two mains.

This is such a cute movie and concept. Henry has commitment issues and has plans to do some research in Alaska so he for sure doesn't want to be held down. Lucy had an accident where she loses her memory when she wakes up the next day. Her family and friends pretend it is the same day over and over to keep her from knowing the truth. She and Henry meet and it seems like love at first sight, but things are not simple and he will have to convince her to fall in love every day and convince her family that he is serious.

This is such a sweet story! It is also filled with humor. I used to watch this ALL.THE.TIME. Great movie for a rainy day. Plus, Hawaii is the setting and I adore it! Def a 5-star watch. 

Title: The Wedding Singer

Length: 1 hr & 39 mins

Released: 1998

Genre: Comedy, Romance

Rating: PG-13

Trailer

Top 5 of my faves from Adam Sandler. Another fantastic movie with him and Drew Barrymore. Why didn't they do more???? They are perfect co-stars. 

Set in the 80's....our Wedding Singer is one of the best in the biz, but after his heart is broken he starts to lose himself and his love for weddings. When he meets Julia he can't help but fall for her, but she is unhappily engaged to someone else. Will he be able to win her over and will she have the courage to leave that toxic jerk?

Funny, heartwarming, and super cute. I love that little old lady! She is adorable and I would love for her to be my neighbor or granny! 

My only grape is how annoyingly blind Julia and Julia's mother is to Glenn. Glenn is SO toxic and shitty...and he doesn't try super hard to hide it. Julia's mom is pretty shitty too. It sometimes feels hard to feel bad for Julia. 

Other than that a 4-star watch! Perfect for a rainy and lazy day at home. Laughs and love.

Title: The Wedding Singer

Length: 1 hr & 37 mins

Released: 2004

Genre: Comedy, Romance

Rating: PG-13

Trailer

I remember really liking this one when I was younger. I don't think I like it as much as I did when I was a youth. Maybe because I hated everyone except for Deeds and the folks from his town?

But yes, we have Deeds who is just the sweetest guy and he gets lucky when he inherits a controlling stake in a media conglomerate when his Uncle passes away. Babe (yes that is her name) works for a sleazy media company (much like TMZ) that will do ANYTHING to get the story. She goes undercover to learn about this Deeds fellow and get some dirt. Lo' and behold they fall in love. 

My goodness was everyone crappy. Yes, city and rich folk typically are selfish and power-hungry and New Yorkers can be seen as rude....but omg poor Deeds. When things get revealed (you know they do...of course...so no spoiler), Babe's "apologies" are half-assed. She should've owned up WAYYYYY sooner. Deeds deserved better. 

But yes, this still had the humor and fun times. But I just didn't buy the romance here. Very little chemistry or was I just blinded by loathing of Babe? 

Overall, still worth the watch. It's funny and there is romance. I'll give this 3 stars. 

Title: Mr Deeds

Length: 1 hr & 36 mins

Released: 2002

Genre: Comedy, Romance

Rating: PG-13

Trailer

Okay...I remember barely liking this one in my youth. I would watch it if it was on TV and nothing else was there. Buuuuuut.......I found myself actually adoring this one now that I am older. 

Sonny has been stuck and not wanting to move forward. He could finish his education and be a lawyer, but he is settling. His GF is done and leaves (which you can't really blame her). A kid falls in his lap and he decides to become his Dad and maybe that will win his ex back. Of course - it doesn't and he is now stuck with a kid that is slowly stealing his heart.

Such an unrealistic concept but it oddly works. The court scene was wild and unrealistic but you can't but love it. 

There is a romance here, but it isn't the main part of the story. It is about Sonny and this kid which is nice. I liked the romance, don't get me wrong, but it felt right that the story is mainly about him growing up and taking this kid under his wing. 

But yes, a good watch. I liked it way more than when I was a kid. 4 stars. 

Title: Big Daddy

Length: 1 hr & 33 mins

Released: 1999

Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance

Rating: PG-13

Trailer