Carole´s Monday: Sweet Valentine

 

Author: Reina M. Williams

Title: Sweet Valentine

Series: Montana Matchmakers

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Format: ebook

Pages: 50

Published: January 31, 2020

Where I Got It: My shelf (Amazon)

Summary: 

Cutler Manning and Nora Delgado believe they left their love in the past...

Nora Delgado is where she never thought she’d be: in Loving, Montana. Since Nora and her sister had to leave their family ranch after the death of their father, Nora feels she has to continue being the responsible, practical sibling. When the one person who brought out her impulsive side walks into her life again, trying to pull her back into his, she pushes back. But Cutler is determined to show Nora that there’s only one valentine for him, and that’s the one woman he left, but loves: Nora.

Review:

Gotta love a nice quick story! 

Here we follow Cutler and Nora. They believe they left their love in the past, but they will find that their feelings never really went away. Nora is where she never thought she'd be...in Loving, Montana. Cutler is determined to show Nora that they are meant to be and she is his only valentine. 

Quick and super sweet! The perfect read to cuddle up with while a blizzard blows into town and that is what I did. 

Nora is super serious and has a lot of walls. Cutler is a romantic and wants Nora back. You can see that Nora loves him too. 

This had a lot of 'Persuasion' feelings here. They fell apart because Nora was persuaded to break it up and Cutler made something of himself. Very nice touch I didn't realize until I finished reading.

Honestly, I feel like this could've been longer. I would've loved to learn more about Nora and Cutler before they broke up, break up, and reunited. I feel like I would've connected more with them then. They were a little 2D. Still a fun couple though. 

In the end...short and sweet. Very nice seeing them give love another chance. 3 stars from me.  

Challenge(s):

- #5 for Romance Reading Challenge - Non-Xmas holiday

Audio: Murder of Crows

 

By: Anne Bishop

Narrated by: Alexandra Harris

Series: The Others (Bishop), Book 2

Length: 14 hrs and 13 mins

Release date: 03-04-14

Urban fantasy/own

Narration:

Alexandra Harris is the BEST

I read the series, eh. I listened to it, GOLD! And now I am doing a re¨listen and I can´t put it down cos omg this series is just so amazing. I can go all Heartstrikers over it. LOVING IT

Oh and a MUST in audio.

LOOOOOVE

After winning the trust of the terra indigene residing in the Lakeside Courtyard, Meg Corbyn has had trouble figuring out what it means to live among them. As a human, Meg should be barely tolerated prey, but her abilities as a cassandra sangue make her something more.

The appearance of two addictive drugs has sparked violence between the humans and the Others, resulting in the murder of both species in nearby cities. So when Meg has a dream about blood and black feathers in the snow, Simon Wolfgard - Lakeside’s shape-shifting leader - wonders if their blood prophet dreamed of a past attack or a future threat. As the urge to speak prophecies strikes Meg more frequently, trouble finds its way inside the Courtyard. Now, the Others and the handful of humans residing there must work together to stop the man bent on reclaiming their blood prophet - and stop the danger that threatens to destroy them all.

Audio: Accidentally Aphrodite

Book 10 in the Accidentally Paranormal series

Publisher: Tantor Audio

Narrated by Hollie Jackson

Publication date Jan 31, 2023

Running time 8 hrs

Paranormal romance / to review

Good narration, she made them all seem fun and relatable, though one of the voices was not a fav of mine. Her book might not be for me. But the rest of the voices were good 

I am aware it is book 10, and there were a lot of side characters that must have had their own books. But in the end it did not matter. This was Quinn´s book, and those side peeps were her new friends. With their own baggage

It was a shortish fun story. Quinn goes to Greece after her ex left her. Boom. Magic! Big books and the powers of Aphrodite. What on earth happened?!

If I were to have questions it would be, if Aphro is the Goddess of love for the entire world, then there are no other gods? Why just the Greek ones? They were not first. I love mythology so my head brain goes haywire.

Oh and then there is Khristos that says he will help her with her new powers. Hot single Khristos.

Learning to match people, guarding your heart from a hunk, and new quirky friends. That sums it up. A fun story

Mythology buff Quinn Morris has always wanted to visit Greece, where her inner hardcore romantic envisioned proposing to her boyfriend. And she's finally here--with her friend Ingrid. She might not have found love at the Parthenon, thanks to her cheating ex, but she has found big boobies...and swirly purple eyes...and sparkling skin. Oh, and Greek hottie Khristos, who claims to be descended from a goddess and swears Quinn's the new Aphrodite.

With help from Khristos, and support from Ingrid's employers--Nina, Wanda, and Marty--Quinn has to learn all the tricks of the matchmaking trade, STAT, lest she has her new friend Cupid sticking arrows in all the wrong places. All while dealing with her man-hating mother, guarding her own heart from Khristos, and protecting herself from an invisible foe who might want to snatch Quinn's newfound powers from her--dead or alive.

Joint Discussion: Daughter of the Blood

Hello all! We will be discussing "Daughter of the Blood" by Anne Bishop. Blodeuedd is in red and Carole is in purple.

Author: Anne Bishop
Title: Daughter of the Blood

Series: The Black Jewels #1

Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Paranormal
Published: March 1, 1998

Pages: 288

Summary:

The Dark Kingdom is preparing itself for the fulfillment of an ancient prophecy--the arrival of a new Queen, a Witch who will wield more power than even the High Lord of Hell himself. But this new ruler is young, and very susceptible to influence and corruption; whoever controls her controls the Darkness. And now, three sworn enemies begin a ruthless game of politics and intrigue, magic and betrayal, and the destiny of an entire world is at stake.

Discussion:

 

I dnfed this once before, but hell it is Bishop! So I tried again. Big mistake

I’ve been itching to try some other stuff by Bishop since we don’t have a new one yet for the series…..this sounded SOOOO good. :/ Which it started off okay…but yeah…

It was just so boring. I did not care about ANYONE. And the way it was built was just scattered somehow

Sighssss yes. I didn’t really connect with anyone. They all seemed so 2D and just atypical and boring. 

I was just reading reviews on GR, you really either love it, or dnf it, lol

LOL I did the same thing. Some folks are IN LOVE and just raving about it. Some, like us, are meh. I wanted to like this so bad. The first like 20 pages (or so) I was super vibing with it, but then I literally struggled to finish. I had to push myself. 

I had to start skimming, I could not have finished any other way. It was freaking impossible.

Yes I started skimming the last 40% of the book. I was literally falling asleep and I wanted to DNF, but I knew we wanted to discuss so I just got through it. 

Same, I only finished for our discussion. And ugh, like wtf, it was getting so freaking pedo.

RIGHT? Like I kinda liked one dude at first (Daemon I think it was???) but they all got weird. 

Yes! I was all ok, sure weird, but at least he does not fancy her, and then he was getting feelings. Like wtf dude, sure you held off, but that is a child. He was attracted to a child. Ugh such a pedo book

Oof it was rough. Like creepy everyone. Maybe if she as like 16…I could forgive it bc it is a mediveal fantasy, but she was YOUNG. 

Just euw euwwwwwwwww.

Maybe later books are better bc she is older and whatnot, but IDK. It kinda bugged me how adult this was and the main character is like a kid.

Considering how it ended. Euw. And nope, he liked her now so he is ruined for me. May he burn in hell. 

And I know she was like I will write this cool book where men are whores, but it does not feel flipped around. He is what? I forgot, centuries upon centuries old and has to whore for everyone?!

Just weird. Super weird. 

And the whole jewel thing frankly confused me.

Yeah. When I felt I understood….they threw something else and then I was confused again. The world, in general, confused me. 

I felt like I needed a map and a glossary

OMG yes that would’ve been super helpful!! I feel like we need a short story just about the world and stuff. 

The world was helluva confusion. Like was this all hell? Yeah, whatever. 

I also felt like all women were bitches…or saints

Like I said earlier. All 2D. The nice ones were just saints and angels. The bad ones were just mean to be mean. No reason just angry bitches. I get the side characters being a lil flat…but the main characters even felt like stereotypes and simple. Too simple. 

A very simplistic world and character building

Too simple which is a bummer for sure! The author in the other series we love built such a wonderful set of characters and a world that was so fleshed out! 

I will always love that world. This one, no

Which is a bummer. I was really craving some medieval fantasy! Sighs. 

I am reading some reviews for book 2 now. Someone called it a clusterfuck

Oof that is no good. Maybe I’ll try book 2 one day if I am bored and not sure what to read LOLLL

I was stupid and bought and omnibus so I have them all

Girrrrrrrrrrrl. We’ll have to try book 2 one day together I guess. Hahahaha

Nooooooooooooo

Hahahahaha maybe in like 5 years when we forget about this one ;)

Can I ever forget?

Maybe? Time heals all wounds?

About the Authors

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

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.

1/24/2023 Do you listen to author/book playlists? Do you create your own?

I will make it easy...no. I mean I like the idea of them but the work of looking for them and listening, meh. Nope

As for making my own, nah

1/31/2023 Do you reread series before reading the newest book if it's been a while? 

2/7/2023 Would you read a book by your favourite author if it isn't in a genre you normally enjoy?

2/14/2023 Share some books covers you love!

2/21/2023 Time for a pet update! Tell us about yours.

2/28/2023 Which books are you looking forward to reading this Spring? (March-May)

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.

Caroles Monday: An unexpected kid

Author: Cindy Roland Anderson

Narrator: Mia Barron

Title: An Unexpected Kiss

Series: Christmas in Snow Valley #1

Genre: Chick Lit, Novella, Contemporary Romance

Format: Audiobook

Published: October 20, 2014

Where I got It: Audible

Summary: 

Lucy Phillips doesn’t want to spend her Christmas vacation dodging her ex-boyfriend, so when he turns up at the airport to give her a ride home, Lucy panics and asks a complete stranger to kiss her. Although the kiss is incredible, Lucy never expects to see the guy again. Is it bad luck or destiny when Lucy comes down with a sore throat and the new doctor in Snow Valley is none other than Cole Taggart, the guy she kissed at the airport?

Review:

Randomly stumbled upon this in Audible's library. It fits a couple of challenges and I love this cover. Maybe it's the shoes? They are so freakin' cute!!

Here we follow Lucy and Cole. Lucy's mother is playing matchmaker and trying to get her to go back out with her ex. Lucy doesn't want to spend her holiday vacation dodging her ex, so when he turns up at the airport to give her a ride home, she panics and asks a complete stranger to kiss her. The kiss was incredible, but she never even got his number or full name, so she expects never to see the guy again. When she comes down with a sore throat she goes to see the new doctor in Snow Valley and it is none other than that stranger...Cole.

This was so cheesy and cute. I could totally see this being one of those Hallmark/Netflix cheesy Xmas movies. Lucy loves the holidays and Cole is slightly grumpy because his parents and ex burned him so he is slightly bitter. 

She is home for the holidays but her mother won't stop trying to force her ex on him. Poor Lance. The guy just wants love. I kinda felt bad for him but he needed to take the hint. SO desperate it was cringy....plus he needs to stop wearing that lettermen jacket from High School....they have been graduated for years. 

Lucy and Cole become friends and partners in helping a struggling family get an amazing Xmas and real feelings flame up. Yes, there was the lust of course, but I loved how they became strangers who shared a kiss, to friends, to partners for a good cause, and then more. There was some drama near the end, but it was an easy fix. Honestly...I don't think it was really warranted. 

This was sweet. There are some Christian moments but it doesn't take over the story. I didn't even realize this was technically a Christian romance novel until I saw it listed on Goodreads after I finished. So nice there. 

The narration was okay. I feel like I heard her voice before but I can't pinpoint where. There wasn't a lot of differences between the characters. But it was just enough so you didn't get confused. 

But yes, this was cute. Very cheesy and Xmas-y. I'll give this 3 stars. 

Challenge(s):
- #5 for Audiobook challenge

- #3 for Romance Reading Challenge - "Kiss" in title

Audio: Written in red

By: Anne Bishop

Narrated by: Alexandra Harris

Series: The Others (Bishop), Book 1

Length: 18 hrs and 33 mins

Release date: 03-05-13

Urban fantasy / own

Is this really my 2nd time listening? Omg, what was I thinking. I was sure I had done a re-listen before. I mean I am sure I did the rest twice...anyway. I LOVE THIS BOOK,

I have read it, meh, I have listened, YES!!! Listen is the way

I know the story, but still I could not stop listening. This is the series that will keep you on your edge, craving more

LISTEN TO IT NOW! Alexandra Harris is AMAZING narrating

As a cassandra sangue, or blood prophet, Meg Corbyn can see the future when her skin is cut - a gift that feels more like a curse. Meg's Controller keeps her enslaved so he can have full access to her visions. But when she escapes, the only safe place Meg can hide is at the Lakeside Courtyard - a business district operated by the Others. 

Shape-shifter Simon Wolfgard is reluctant to hire the stranger who inquires about the Human Liaison job. First, he senses she's keeping a secret, and second, she doesn't smell like human prey. Yet a stronger instinct propels him to give Meg the job. And when he learns the truth about Meg and that she's wanted by the government, he'll have to decide if she's worth the fight between humans and the Others that will surely follow.

Audio: Melting point

By: Kate Meader

Narrated by: John Solo

Series: Hot in Chicago

Length: 3 hrs and 31 mins

Release date: 01-17-23

Contemporary romance / to review

Good narration, he does make it work so well, and gives good voices to them. It gets hot, it gets romantic.

I should listen to more novellas. They are so fast and short!

In this one we meet Gage and Brady. They used to be something, but Brady was scarred from his time in the military. This time is is Brady that realises that he really wants this and decides to show Gage that he can be the man for him.

Short yes, but they have a long story behind them so that they finally manages to get to get together and get their HEA is believable.

Firefighter Gage Simpson has it all: the job of his dreams, the family of his heart, and no shortage of hot guys lining up to share his bed. “Fun and easy” is his motto—and it’s kept him sunny through a painful upbringing and steered him away from trouble. But when trouble comes knocking in the form of a sexy, scarred, tattooed chef with a harrowing past and zero communication skills, Gage can’t help but be drawn to the flame.

Brady Smith isn’t fun. And easy isn’t in his vocabulary. When cocky Gage swaggers into his restaurant kitchen, the former Marine-turned-five-star-chef is blindsided by the firefighter’s beauty. Then confused that this golden guy with the sparkling blue eyes and the body of a god might be interested in him. As desire flares and temperatures rise, Gage and Brady will have to figure out if the heat between them is just a temporary flash—or the beginning of something real.

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.

1/17/2023 Do you tend to enjoy spin off series? Or are you hesitant about them? 

I will make it short as always. Kid is sick, bad week, sigh.

Spin off, sure why not! If it is fun and good then give them to me! I would say I am only hesitant if they are not as good. Like that book about Hugh whatevs in the Kate Daniels series, it was not as good. But the spin offs in the world of the others by Anne Bishop are really good!

But I would say, think hard about spin offs, some rush them

1/24/2023 Do you listen to author/book playlists? Do you create your own?

1/31/2023 Do you reread series before reading the newest book if it's been a while? 

2/7/2023 Would you read a book by your favourite author if it isn't in a genre you normally enjoy?

2/14/2023 Share some books covers you love!

2/21/2023 Time for a pet update! Tell us about yours.

2/28/2023 Which books are you looking forward to reading this Spring? (March-May)

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 three lives of Alix St Pierre

Author: Natasha Lester

Title: The Three Lives of Alix St Pierre

Genre: Historical Fiction, Mystery, Romance

Format: ebook

Pages: 432

Published: September 28, 2022

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

Summary: 

1943. After spearheading several successful advertising campaigns in New York, PR wizard Alix St Pierre comes to the attention of the US government and finds herself recruited into a fledgling intelligence organisation.

Enlisted as a spy, Alix is sent to Europe where she is tasked with getting close to a Nazi who might be willing to help the Allied forces - but there's also the chance he might be a double agent.

1946. Following the war, Alix moves to Paris to run the Service de la Presse for the yet-to-be-launched House of Christian Dior. But when a figure from the war reappears and threatens to destroy her future, Alix realises that only she can right the wrongs of the past and bring him to justice.

The Three Lives of Alix St Pierre is a thrilling, sumptuous work of historical fiction told in three timelines: before, during and after WWII. This completely immersive story takes readers from the dangerous, intrigue-filled rooms in Switzerland where elites of both sides mingled and schemed during the war, to the glamorous halls of the House of Dior in the golden age of French fashion and journalism.

Review:

When I first saw this book I was curious about it and then I was asked to read and review it so I was extra excited! 

Here we follow Alix St Pierre. In 1943, after spearheading several successful advertising campaigns in New York, she catches the eye of the US government. She accepts the position in a fledgling intelligence organization. Enlisted as a spy, Alix is sent to Europe where she is tasked with getting close to a Nazi who might be willing to help the Allied forces...but there's is a chance he might be a double agent. 1946, following the war, Alix moves to Paris to run the Service de la Presse for the House of Christian Dior. Her postwar life is going great until a figure from the war reappears and threatens to destroy her future. She will need to bring him to justice in order to right the wrongs of the past. 

At first, I was a little worried about the jumping timeline. We see her pre-war, during the war, and post-war. That is a hard narrative to do, but it worked well! Even though she survived the war, there are still mysteries and things in the past she will uncover. The format worked for this story! 

Loveddddd Alix. She was such a strong and independent woman, but with a huge heart. She loves her friends and wants to make the world a better place. Oh! And she is so brave. I don't think I could sign up for the spying world....even though I find it SO interesting and intriguing (I think I would be good at it)....but she was tough but she could also be vulnerable. She is classy...creative...smart...and flawed. She isn't perfect, but that makes me love her even more. 

I could gush over her all day.

Anthony was an interesting character too. Don't want to spoil anything, but he was compelling. 

Oh, Lillie and Bobby!!! My heart!!!!

But yess a great cast of characters (even the big baddie). All complex...all intriguing. 

The story was good too. I had NO idea how she was going to uncover the mysteries or fix things. I did feel that one resolution was....a little too easy at the very end. I think someone (won't name names) should've done more. There needed to be more talking. Lots of hurts...lots of distrust. Don't get me wrong I was happy about WHAT happened ultimately, but I feel like we needed more time. 

The beginning was a little slow which makes sense because there was some build-up but once the ball got rolling I couldn't put this down. SO good.

Overall, I really enjoyed this. Such a great cast of characters especially Alix! She was awesome. The story was enthralling. I did feel there needed more talking and work at the end, but I still was happy with what happened. Again...SO GOOD. I really should read more by this author. She really brought the three different lives and times of Alix to life. 4 stars from me. I highly recommend it for those that like mystery, history, and a splash of romance. 

 

Audio: The pirate queen´s captive

Magic and Kings, Book 3

By: Eve Langlais

Narrated by: Kasha Kensington

Series: Magic and Kings, Book 3

Length: 7 hrs

Release date: 01-10-23

Fantasy romance / to review

This is book 3. Book 1 was more romance. Book 2 was more about monsters and a new couple that took their time. Book 3 takes one of the characters from book 2 and makes him the main character. Older character finding love? Nice.

Jrijori is an assassin. He is also trying to get rid of a jewel (has to do with monsters). He runs into a old flame he has not seen for ages.  His one true love.

But Zora hates him. She used to be queen of this island, monsters came, and now she is a pirate.

Sea adventures, monsters, some romance, and a promise of more to come. I guess monsters are not done with this world. I am intrigued of what the next book could be about, and who would star in it.

A good continuation to the series. And a nice change with an older couple.

Narration worked well and it was easy to follow along and get lost in the story.

It should have been a simple task: sail the ocean, dump some dangerous stones, and return to his daughter’s side—only Jrijori didn’t count on being abducted. Kind of embarrassing given he’s supposed to be a renowned assassin, but he doesn’t mind once he realizes who’s taken him captive.

Zora never forgave Jrijori for trying to kill her father and fleeing. Now that she’s a Queen without an island to rule, she’s turned to pirating to make ends meet. However, what if she could free her home from the monsters infesting it? She might not get a choice, as magical forces are at work, determined to use her whether she agrees or not.

Will she prevail, or will this pirate Queen lose everything?

Audio: The Duke's rules of Engagement by Jennifer Haymore

By: Jennifer Haymore

Narrated by: Ashford MacNab

Series: Rules of Engagement, Book 1

Length: 11 hrs and 21 mins

Release date: 12-27-22

Historical romance / to review

Narration.

The narrator brought life into these characters and I could easily be swept away in the story. A good story to listen to.

Story:

Jo is a matchmaker who loves her job, and her latest client might be her salvation. A Duke! Yes I have to start the new year with a Duke book.

Matthew is the Duke of Cressmont, and as all Dukes before him he must find a bride to get that heir. No love though, who needs romance!

Jo loves love, and she will find a great match for him. But things get complicated. And even more complicated when feelings evolve between these two. She a commoner is not Duchess material. And he wants that perfect bride.

A man scared of love, and a woman determined to get him that match even if it sacrifices her own happiness.

I enjoyed it. They both needed to get their heads straight though and look at what was infront of them.

Joanna Porter loves being one of London's hottest up-and-coming matchmakers. But her heavenly vocation is about to turn into a nuptial nightmare—thanks to the Duke of Crestmont. He's as handsome as he is insufferable and obsessed with all things proper. Matching him would cement Jo's status as England's greatest matchmaker. Except, of course, the impossible-to-please duke refuses all of her most eligible ladies...confirming his status as a complete and utter pain in her petticoats.

The Duke of Crestmont can't believe he needs a matchmaker—let alone this spitfire of a woman whose kissable mouth and dancing, impertinent gray eyes tease him ruthlessly. But the people are counting on him to find a duchess. A proper lady with a flawless pedigree and immaculate deportment. So why can't he stop himself from wanting his pert, lively matchmaker... instead of the perfect duchess?

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.

1/10/2023 Do you read classics? Why or why not?

It´s getting late. I am studying again (cos I am weird!), so I had school. Too tired to write this earlier, BUT

if they are good I will read it. I do not go around all ohh classics. Nah, I will read what I read :)

1/17/2023 Do you tend to enjoy spin off series? Or are you hesitant about them? 

1/24/2023 Do you listen to author/book playlists? Do you create your own?

1/31/2023 Do you reread series before reading the newest book if it's been a while? 

2/7/2023 Would you read a book by your favourite author if it isn't in a genre you normally enjoy?

2/14/2023 Share some books covers you love!

2/21/2023 Time for a pet update! Tell us about yours.

2/28/2023 Which books are you looking forward to reading this Spring? (March-May)

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.

Caroles Monday: The Moonlight child

Author: Karen McQuestion

Title: The Moonlight Child

Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Fiction, Contemporary

Format: ebook

Pages: 343

Published: September 10th 2020

Where I Got It: My shelf (Amazon)

Summary: 

On a cold January night, Sharon Lemke heads outside to see a lunar eclipse when she notices something odd at the house behind her backyard. Through her neighbor's kitchen window, she sees what appears to be a little girl washing dishes late at night. But the Fleming family doesn't have a child that age, and even if they did, why would she be doing housework at this late hour?

It would be easy for Sharon to just let this go, but when eighteen-year-old Niki, a former foster child, comes to live with Sharon, she notices suspicious activity at the Flemings' house as well. When calling social services doesn't result in swift action, the two decide to investigate on their own.

Review:

Picked this up for book club a little while ago. It was free for Amazon Prime users so I was excited! Might still be free. 

The story follows Sharon and Niki. One January night, Sharon goes outside to check out the lunar eclipse. Instead, she sees something strange at the house behind her....a young child doing dishes. The Flemings don't have a daughter and why would a kid that young be doing chores that late at night? She tries to let it go. Niki, a former foster child, moves in with Sharon. Niki starts seeing some strange things at the house too. After calling social services, nothing really happens, so the two decide to investigate on their own. 

I literally stayed up until 3 AM reading this. I had to finish it!! How was it going to end? How do these characters all tie in? Are they going to save her??????

It's hard to really write this review without spoiling anything....oof. Mhmmm.

There is a big cast of characters. They tie in but you really don't know how until things start rolling and unraveling. You get a few different POVs - Sharon, Niki, and Jacob are the main ones - but there are a couple of others. Sometimes this can be too much, but the author did a good job making sure the reader knew who we were switching to and it making sense for the story progression.  It was done well. 

You will want to kick Suzette. She was a real witch!!!!!! Evil lady who needs to be locked up and have the key thrown away. 

Just want to clear this up...on Goodreads there is a tag saying this is a horror...but it isn't. There are some tragic elements and a worrisome moment for a certain character, but it wasn't scary. Def can be a thriller and it has mystery. But we, the readers, get to learn a big chunk of the mystery well before some of the characters. 

This was surprisingly good and intriguing. I can't wait to discuss this at book club. This is a perfect book to discuss with others!! This is def a contender for best book of the month...maybe even the year ;)

Overall, I couldn't put this down! I had to know what was going to happen to everyone! This was intriguing, makes you feel, thriller-ish, mysterious....and just a good story. I for recommend this! 5 stars from me. 

Audio review: Season of the wolf by Maria Vale

By: Maria Vale

Narrated by: Senn Annis, Julio Maxwell

Series: Legend of All Wolves, Book 4

Length: 8 hrs and 48 mins

Release date: 12-27-22

Historical romance / to review

Evie is the alpha of the Great North Pack, and they have had a rough time. Shifters encroaching on their territory, stealing pups and more.

Now 4 of those shifters are under guard and life goes on...

Evie was tough and self sacrifcing, because she wanted to do what was best for the pack. Her happiness be damned.

Constantine was a shifter who just tried to protect his brother. He helped the pack in book 3, but is under watchful eyes now. And the alpha fascinates him to no end. As for Evie, she is pulled towards him too.

This book is actually rather sad. They are pack, they are more wolves than human, they are born and live as pups first. They learn to pretend to be humans as their schooling and some go to live in the human world to protect them. But the wild is always shrinking, how can a pack like this even survive anymore?

Pack hierachy, in fighting, the danger of the shifters and more on this one. And a very slow building romance between two that are meant to be.

A nice narration that makes you be in this world, and really feel for them. The wild is always there pulling at you. 

For Alpha Evie Kitwanasdottir, things are never easy. The Great North Pack has just survived a deadly attack. Evie is determined to do whatever is necessary to keep her Pack safe, especially from the four Shifters who are their prisoners.

Constantine lost his parents and his humanity on the same devastating day. He has been a thoughtless killer ever since. When Constantine is moved to live under Evie's watchful eye, he discovers that taking directions and having a purpose are not the same thing.

Each moment spent together brings new revelations to Constantine, who begins to understand the loneliness of being Alpha. He finds strength and direction in helping Evie, but there is no room for a small love in the Pack, so Constantine must work harder than ever to prove to Evie he is capable of a love big enough for the Great North Pack itself.

Stats of 2022 and dnfs

 

I had meant to do a stats post, then I thought nope, then I decided to do one again :)

I read 132 books this year.

- 97 audiobooks (so close!!!!)

- 35 print/ebooks (so much fewer this year)

(3 ebooks, ahem)

Sadly fewer 4s and 5s this year than other years. But I am tough, so very tough

I DNF a few books

A psalm for the well built by Becky Chambers

-Dull

Daughters of the New year by Em Tram

-Tried getting into it twice, I just can not

Strike the Zither by Joan He

-It felt like it was kingdom built of teens, only teens in high positions. They might have been old, they felt like 15 year olds, No thanks

Death in her hands by Ottessa Mosfegh

- They can¨t all be great

Afterlives

Gurnah, Abdulrazak

All the Rivers

Rabinyan, Dorit

Grief Is the Thing with Feathers

Porter, Max

My Absolute Darling

Tallent, Gabriel 

The Water Dancer

Coates, Ta-Nehisi

Painted in Blood

Tuti, Ilaria

- I can not remmember any of these!

Mixed Doubles by Mansell, Jill

- Very meh

Unsettled Ground

Fuller, Claire 

- Very weird

The Avenger: Thomas Bennet and a Father's Lament (Bennet Wardrobe #6)

Jacobson, Don *

- These are getting so depressing

Pretty things by Janelle Brown

- It could not pull me in

As for 2023. I already finished my first Duke book, it is a must as you know. And since I have no review books lined up (Harper Collins Union is on strike, support them!.) I started re-listening to Written in red by Anne Bishop. Might be a year of Bishop instead of my beloved dragons

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.

1/3/2023 What are your blogging/reading goals for the new year?

No goals.

Just....keep it easy, keep it fun, NO STRESS

1/10/2023 Do you read classics? Why or why not?

1/17/2023 Do you tend to enjoy spin off series? Or are you hesitant about them? 

1/24/2023 Do you listen to author/book playlists? Do you create your own?

1/31/2023 Do you reread series before reading the newest book if it's been a while? 

2/7/2023 Would you read a book by your favourite author if it isn't in a genre you normally enjoy?

2/14/2023 Share some books covers you love!

2/21/2023 Time for a pet update! Tell us about yours.

2/28/2023 Which books are you looking forward to reading this Spring? (March-May)

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.

Best of the Year

 

Welcome to the BC Awards!!! We will be showcasing our favorites from the year! We changed up the categories a little bit. We also did the top 3 TV shows (no order) since we had a hard time picking. 

Best Movie:

Blodeuedd's pick......Spider-Man: No Way Home

Carole's pick.......Prey (2022)

Best Show:

Carole's top 3 (no order).....

Blodeuedd's top 3 (no order).....

Best Book Cover:

Blodeuedd's pick.....Let It Be Me by Kate Noble

Carole's pick......Frost Burned by Patricia Briggs

Best Audiobook:

Blodeuedd's pick...........Storm Echo by Nalini Singh

Carole's pick........Crowbones by Anne Bishop

Best Book (ebook, paperback, hardcover): 

Carole's pick......Woman On The Wall by Robin Rivers

Blodeuedd's pick........Lapvona by Ottessa Mosfegh

Best Re-read: 

Blodeuedd's pick......Heartstrikers by Rachel Aaron

Carole's pick........As The Stars Fall by Steve N. Lee

Notable Mentions: 

Carole's pick......Inseparable by David Kruh

Blodeuedd's pick......Crowbones by Anne Bishop

And that is the end of the BC Awards. I am excited to see what 2023 has in store for us!!