Book Girl of Mur-y-Castell

Wednesday 29 November 2023

Audio: Hooked on you by Kate Meader

By: Kate Meader

Narrated by: Pippa Jayne

Series: Chicago Rebels, Book 4

Length: 9 hrs and 41 mins

Release date: 11-21-23

Publisher: Tantor Audio

Contemporary romance /to review

The third sister finds love in this one. But she has a harder time. She has gotten closer with her half sister, but she is still in her soul an outsider that does not know much about hockey. She is a cancer survivor, and she is still finding her way.

Bren St.James has had a rough time. A divorce. Trying to overcome his alcoholism. And doing his best for his team.

They have this constant banter and annoy each other. But then Bren needs help and Violet steps up to help him care for his two kids while he is doing his best to win the Cup and make the Rebels great.

They get closer, but there is some drama in the background. Like her having had this plan of selling her part of the team and leaving. And him hiding some secrets of how bad his drinking problem was.

But hey it is a romance. They get hot and heavy and find their HEA.

Good story. Truly a book about these two.

Nice narration. Both characters have accents that sets them apart from the rest. You always know where you have them

Violet Vasquez never met her biological father, so learning he left his beloved hockey franchise — the Chicago Rebels — to her is, well, unexpected. Flat broke and close to homeless, Violet is determined to make the most of this sudden opportunity. Except dear old dad set conditions that require she takes part in actually running the team with the half-sisters she barely knows. Working with these two strangers and overseeing a band of hockey-playing lugs is not on her agenda… until she lays eyes on the Rebels captain and knows she has to have him.

Bren St. James has been labeled a lot of things: the Puck Prince, Lord of the Ice, Hell’s Highlander... but it’s the latest tag that’s making headlines: washed-up alcoholic has-been. This season, getting his life back on track and winning the Cup are his only goals. With no time for relationships — except the fractured ones he needs to rebuild with his beautiful daughters — he’s finding it increasingly hard to ignore sexy, all-up-in-his-beard Violet Vasquez. And when he finds himself in need of a nanny just as the playoffs are starting, he’s faced with a temptation he could so easily get hooked on.

For two lost souls, there’s more on the line than just making the best of a bad situation… there might also be a shot at the biggest prize of all: love.

Tuesday 28 November 2023

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.

11/28/2023 Which books are you looking forward to reading this Winter? (Dec-Feb)

Ack. This question again. You all know I have no idea what comes out when. And if something comes out I will wait for the PB

12/5/2023 If you were stranded on a desert island which book would you want with you?

12/12/2023 What were your favourite games/toys when you were a kid?

12/19/2023 Which phone apps can't you live without?

12/26/2023 What are your favorite books/audiobooks that you read in 2023?

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.

Monday 27 November 2023

Carole's Monday. Napoleon

Title: Napoleon

Length: 2h 49m

Released: 2023

Genre: Historical Fiction, Action/Adventure, Biography
Rating: R
Where I Got It: Theater

SUMMARY:

An epic that details the checkered rise and fall of French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte and his relentless journey to power through the prism of his addictive, volatile relationship with his wife, Josephine.

Trailer

REVIEW:

The moment I first saw the trailer I KNEW I had to see this in theaters. There was no other option for me. The cast....the director....the subject matter? Yes.

This is about the infamous Napoleon Bonaparte. We get to witness his rise and fall politically and with Josephine. While he conquered the world....Josephine conquered his every waking thought.

The reviews of this are SO polarized. Which is fitting for Napoleon. In his life and even today he is either loved or hated. Makes sense the film would settle in the hearts of people differently.

Personally....I ended up LOVING this movie. It was really good. I will admit that it was a slow, slow burn...........but it oddly fit. I loved watching the tension rise and rise until everything shattered at the Battle of Waterloo. Damn, that was a scene.

The cast was brilliant and I loved watching them. I honestly couldn't take my eyes off Napoleon and Josephine. They were captivating in their portrayals and if they don't win SOMETHING I would be utterly shocked.

Lots and lots of people are mad since there were some liberties taken like the first scene with Marie Antoinette. Many claim Napoleon was not there. Well..........do we know 100% for sure? Who knows. And yes I could spot a couple of historical inaccuracies but you have to take Hollywood historicals with a grain of salt. The creators will change things and for lack of a better phrase...butter up the screen. Now there is a fine, fine line to be careful of and I found that they did a good job on that line. Historically accurate enough for History Nerds like me to enjoy it, but still have it be entertaining enough for people like my husband who is meh about history. *chefs kiss* Very nice.

But yesssssss I loved it. It was good. I wouldn't mind a re-watch one day. I think it's going on the Apple Streaming Service (boo), so I may have to buy it on DVD one day.

5 stars for sure. I for sure recommend this BUT be warned that there is a lot of blood. It is a war film at the end of the day.

Wednesday 22 November 2023

Audio: Born to be badger by Shelly Laurenston

Book 5 in the Honey Badger Chronicles series

Author Shelly Laurenston

Narrated by Charlotte Kane

Publication date Nov 28, 2023 by Tantor Audio

Running time 11 hrs

Paranormal romance /to review

There is one way to describe this book: Crazy.

This is not a series you jump into. Even I had to keep my wits around me when it comes to this one because the action is non stop. The craziness never calms down. There are so many freaking badgers around.

You really have to read them to get them. It is a shifter world. Honey badgers are bad ass mofos. They never back down, they never die. And they all seem to be insane

Tock gets involved in some craziness together with her friends. She meets a hot tiger named Shay (but, yes that takes a long time to evolve into something.) Timewise no, but book length yes. So no real romance before the end when they get hot and heavy.

Danger, fights, food and lots of shifters and you have this book. It is a crazy ride. And at the end, well the next one will be intense

Good audio. She kept up the crazy pace in a good way

Emily "Tock" Meyerson-Jackson is on a mission to rid the world of shifters trafficking humans for hunting and cash. And now that she's narrowed down her suspects to a brutal coalition of male lions, nothing will get between this honey badger and her prey—not even a dog-loving Tiger with absolutely no time management skills. Doesn't matter that Shay Malone is ferociously adorable. With a war brewing between cat families, Tock doesn't have time to lounge around with a football-playing tiger shifter. But when she realizes the coalition is also responsible for the death of Shay's father, she's forced to partner up with the flirtatious feline . . .

Revenge is most definitely on the menu for Shay and his tiger shifter brothers. But when it comes to Shay's alluring partner in crime-solving, so is seduction. Tock might be a bad ass of a honey badger, but she's awfully cute when she's flashing her fangs, which she's pretty much doing all the time these days. Good thing revenge is a dish best served hot. Because when it comes to Tock, Shay knows just how to turn up the heat . . .

Tuesday 21 November 2023

TMST

11/21/2023 What are you thankful for this year?

Family . Do I need to be thankful for more?

11/28/2023 Which books are you looking forward to reading this Winter? (Dec-Feb)

12/5/2023 If you were stranded on a desert island which book would you want with you?

12/12/2023 What were your favourite games/toys when you were a kid?

12/19/2023 Which phone apps can't you live without?

12/26/2023 What are your favorite books/audiobooks that you read in 2023?

Monday 20 November 2023

Carole´s Monday: A holiday by gaslight

Author: Mimi Matthews

Title: A Holiday by Gaslight

Genre: Historical Romance, Novella

Format: ebook

Pages: 174

Published: November 13, 2018

Where I Got It: My shelf (Amazon)

Summary:

A Dutiful Daughter

Sophie Appersett is quite willing to marry outside of her class to ensure the survival of her family. But the darkly handsome Mr. Edward Sharpe is no run of the mill London merchant. He's grim and silent. A man of little emotion--or perhaps no emotion at all. After two months of courtship, she's ready to put an end to things. After all, even a dutiful daughter has her limits.

A Taciturn Tradesman

Ned has come a long way since his days working as a draper's assistant. He's wealthy, ambitious, and eager to take a wife. But the courtship advice issued in The Gentlemen's Book of Etiquette isn't all it's cracked up to be. Though he's followed it to the letter, Miss Appersett still doesn't wish to see him again. Frustrated and hurt, he's more than happy to oblige her.

A Christmas Courtship

Severing ties with her former beau isn't as straightforward as Sophie envisioned. Her parents are outraged. And then there's Charles Darwin, Prince Albert, and that dratted gaslight. What's a girl to do except invite Mr. Sharpe to the annual Christmas party at Appersett House and give him one more chance to win her? But this time there'll be no false formality. This time they'll get to know each other for who they really are.

Review:

Yayy for freebies! I got this after Xmas last year and I figured I'd save it.

This is a novella where we follow Sophie and Ned. Sophie is willing to marry pretty much anyone to help out her family, but she wants to at least like the guy. She wants to feel at LEAST a friendship. Love can always come later. However, she is done with the emotionless Ned. However, severing ties with her former beau isn't going to plan. She is forced to invite him to one last Christmas party and give him one last chance to win her over.

This is oddly a second chances story and I'm here for it. I love that they both want to marry someone, but they have issues. He actually cares for her deeply but thanks to 'The Gentlemen's Book of Etiquette' he could lose her. No one is truly at fault for the original break up. They both had equal blame and equal innocence. I loved that.

This was a very sweet Xmas romance that gets a little deep. Not TOO deep, but it worked to add some complexity and volume to the story. I loved watching them actually fall in love and find happiness.

Now...I did have an issue with a lot of the side characters, especially Sophie's father. [SPOILER ALERT] I hated that they had no real karma hit them. They got HEAs too and they never grew up or changed for the better. Mmm. I'm all for Xmas miracles and people see the errors of their ways and THEN they get a HEA....but not so here. I'm just glad Sophie and Ned can leave them all behind and live in happiness if they want to. [END OF SPOILER]

All-in-all this was quick and short with enough depth to feel something. Minor issues with the side characters, but it was just me being grumpy and bitter. Sophie and Ned are adorable. If you need something quick for the upcoming holiday, I suggest this one! 4 stars from me.

Wednesday 15 November 2023

Grey Mountain by John Grisham

Format: 384 pages, Hardcover

Published: October 23, 2014 by Hodder & Stoughton Ltd

Thriller fiction /Library

It has been ages since I read a Grisham novel. I always like them, all that law talk makes it thrilling.

And here is even more stuff I have no idea about, Big coal. Damn dirty business.

Samantha looses her job, but to keep her hanging on her job tells her to work for a non profit for a year. Which takes her to coal country and a legal aid clinic.

Omg, yes it is fiction, but pretty sure he knows his stuff. Like coal truck accidents. That was horrific. How things goes wrong when they blow things up. When dams break. Black lungs. Cancer clusters. And how Big Coal screws everyone over, and has everyone in their pocket.

Top mining? Was that the word? Blowing up mountain tops and going down. Nature effed over.

Samantha comes in to help and gets dragged in to big coal. And honestly how it ends, it was not that uplifting. The fight continues. But as long as they need coal then coal is there

Interesting story

One week ago, Samantha Kofer was a third-year associate at New York City's largest law firm. Now she is an unpaid intern in a legal aid clinic deep in small-town Appalachia. When Lehman Brothers collapsed, she lost her job, her security, her future. As she confronts real clients with real problems, she finds herself a world away from her past life of corporate fat cats and fatter bonuses. This is coal country. Meth country. The law is different here.

Tuesday 14 November 2023

TMST

11/14/2023 Do you play any sports or participate in recreational activities?

I am not one for sports. Teamsports, nah, on my own, no not that either. I am more of a walker, and hiking. I would love to do it with others, but I am mostly on my own. I love nature, I do stop and take lots of photos while out,

11/21/2023 What are you thankful for this year?

11/28/2023 Which books are you looking forward to reading this Winter? (Dec-Feb)

12/5/2023 If you were stranded on a desert island which book would you want with you?

12/12/2023 What were your favourite games/toys when you were a kid?

12/19/2023 Which phone apps can't you live without?

12/26/2023 What are your favorite books/audiobooks that you read in 2023?

Monday 13 November 2023

Carole's Monday: Embrace the lace

Author: Shannon Macleod

Title: Embrace the Lace

Genre: SciFi, Fantasy, Historical Romance

Format: ebook

Pages: 321

Published: March 21, 2023

Where I Got It: My shelf (Netgalley)

Summary:

Widowed Andrew MacIver has problems and responsibilities aplenty. At twenty and five, he is already chieftain of his large clan. His castle is in a state of disrepair, his cook is clueless and to make matters worse, his uncle appears dead set on taking his job. He doesn’t have time to admit he is lonely, but he does need to remarry – and quickly, for the clan expects their laird to have a wife and heirs. He needs the perfect noble lady, decorous, competent, and obedient. The upcoming clan gathering seems the perfect opportunity to renew allegiances, find a suitable bride and get married, in that order. Well…that was the plan, anyway. But then the fae got involved.

Loveable geek Paisley Evangeline Darling – Van to her friends – wants one last adventure before going off to complete her master’s degree in mechanical engineering like her hero Tony Stark. On the very first night at the SCA renaissance festival, she is snatched kicking and screaming back to 17th century Scotland, nearly drowning in the process. Andrew, her handsome rescuer, is stressed out and intent on helping her find her way home, but she is having way too much fun to leave. Who better than a smart, free spirited and independent 21st century lass to bring a little love and laughter back into the exasperated laird’s dull life? After all, what could possibly go wrong?

Caution: Contains meddlesome faeries, questionable inventions, culinary miracles, one ferocious dragon, a heroine with zero regard for convention, and a reluctant hero with his hands full.

Review:

I saw this and knew I had to check it out. Who doesn't love a good time-traveling romance set in Scotland?????

Andrew has a lot on his plate and doesn't have time for anything. He needs a new wife to help him create an heir for his clan. With the upcoming clan gathering...this will be the perfect opportunity to renew allegiances and find a suitable bride. However, he needs a break. When he takes his horse out for a ride, he will soon discover his world is about to change forever thanks to a nosy Fae. Van wants an adventure before going off to complete her master's degree in mechanical engineering so she decides to go to the SCA Renaissance Festival which is a complete and totally immersive experience. Little does she know...she is about to have an adventure into the real deal.

I feel terrible for admitting this....but I was so annoyed with Van at the beginning that I wanted to scream. She was unrelenting and never stopped talking. She was very sweet and smart and cute and etc...but shut up Van. She did calm down a litttttttle bit later on, but she was a lot to handle. I loved she loved the nerdy stuff and was a whiz with the engineering and building....but sweet lord did I want to shake her.

Andrew was sweet and grumpy. Just how I like 'em ;)

This does have some humor and honestly...you can't take this story too seriously. It was a lot of fun. Van is very sweet in her own way (even though she never, ever stops talking) and brightens up the castle. She brought joy back and had people laughing again. The catapult scene made me warm up to her a bit.

Some plot devices were very, very flimsy and too convenient...like the ending with Van's parents. Mmmm. Take it with a grain of salt. This was very light. I found that this was the Hallmark of Time Travel romances. Nothing too serious and everything was easily solved.

However, I did have fun with this. It was sweet and quick and had humor. The love was there and it was sweet. Van needed to calm down, but she was an interesting character and maybe it was just a me thing. If you are looking for something light...check this out. I'll give it 3 stars.

Friday 10 November 2023

Audio: Some kind of happiness by Claire Legrand

By: Claire Legrand

Narrated by: Tina Wolstencroft

Length: 9 hrs and 34 mins

Release date: 10-31-23

Publisher: Tantor Audio

YA/Mg/fiction/to review

When it comes to YA/Mg books I like some that are about tougher subjects and I really liked how this one was made.

Finley is sent to her grandparents house for the summer because her parents are having problems. But, she has never met her grandparents, aunts or cousins. And she has no idea why her father cut of his ties to them.

She is also suffering from depression, but she calls it blue days and she does not know what is wrong with her. Nor has she ever spoken about it.

Her only retreat from all of this is the stories she writes about the Everwood. And she finds her own real Everwood behind her grandparents house. Together with her cousins they have an adventure.

There were so many important things, and it was so well written. I also liked the bits about the Everwood as she is telling a story through out it all. About a magically enchanted forest and the people and creatures there within.

A good narration. There are many different characters and voices and she does a great job with them all. There is the magical part of the story, and the real sad part of the story and they mix well with each other.

Things Finley Hart doesn't want to talk about:

- Her parents, who are having problems. (But they pretend like they're not.)

- Being sent to her grandparents' house for the summer.

- Never having met said grandparents.

- Her blue days—when life feels overwhelming, and it's hard to keep her head up. (This happens a lot.)

Finley's only retreat is the Everwood, a forest kingdom that exists in the pages of her notebook. Until she discovers the endless woods behind her grandparents' house and realizes the Everwood is real—and holds more mysteries than she'd ever imagined, including a family of pirates that she isn't allowed to talk to, trees covered in ash, and a strange old wizard living in a house made of bones. With the help of her cousins, Finley sets out on a mission to save the dying Everwood and uncover its secrets. But as the mysteries pile up and the frightening sadness inside her grows, Finley realizes that if she wants to save the Everwood, she'll first have to save herself.

Wednesday 8 November 2023

Audio: Undone by you by Kate Meader

By: Kate Meader

Narrated by: Pippa Jayne

Series: Chicago Rebels, Book 3

Length: 6 hrs and 42 mins

Release date: 10-24-23

Publisher: Tantor Audio

Contemporary romance /to review

This one was rather short, but hey I am not complaining. What does make it longer is that it was a bonus novella at the end. What happens after the HEA, well I can tell you. More HEA

I have read the previous two, and it was some time ago so I could not remember a lot, except that book 1 was amazing. But you can just jump in, listen to some romance, and not a lot of hockey.

Dante is the GM for a icehockey team. He is also gay and open about it.The rebels needs to do well this season or the team will be sold.

Cade is a player, and he has a secret. He also really fancies Dante, and is about to do something about it.

Player and GM is not the best combo. Not to mention Cade has not told anyone about his secret yet. And for future happiness, he can be traded, Dante cant always find a job everywhere. Not that much drama but some.

Good narration. It kept me entertained.

Dante Moretti has just landed his dream job: GM of the Chicago Rebels. And screw the haters who think there should be an asterisk next to his name because he’s the first out managing executive in pro hockey. He’s earned the right to be here and nothing will topple him off that perch—especially not an incredibly inconvenient attraction to his star defenseman, Cade “Alamo” Burnett.

Cade has always been careful to keep his own desires on the down low, but his hot Italian boss proves to be a temptation he can’t resist. Sure, they both have so much to lose, but no one will ever know...

As Dante and Cade’s taboo affair heats up off the ice and their relationship gets more and more intense, they’ll have to decide: is love worth risking their careers? Or is this romance destined to be forever benched?

Tuesday 7 November 2023

TMST

Sci-Fi, Urban Fantasy, Epic Fantasy... do you read them? What do you prefer?

Well yes, all of them!!!! I do love UF, but I have not really found any good new ones in ages. They do not write them as epic as they used to to.

Scifi is fun, but it can be hard to find good ones. I can do romance (but no blue aliens), I am not a tech fan, I want stmh....

Fantasy has my heart. Now and forever. I will always adore it.

11/14/2023 Do you play any sports or participate in recreational activities?

11/21/2023 What are you thankful for this year?

11/28/2023 Which books are you looking forward to reading this Winter? (Dec-Feb)

12/5/2023 If you were stranded on a desert island which book would you want with you?

12/12/2023 What were your favourite games/toys when you were a kid?

12/19/2023 Which phone apps can't you live without?

12/26/2023 What are your favorite books/audiobooks that you read in 2023?

Monday 6 November 2023

Carole´s Monday. Friends, lovers and the big terrible thing

Author: Matthew Perry

Title: Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing

Genre: Nonfiction, Autobiography

Format: Hardcover

Pages: 250

Published: November 1, 2022

Where I Got It: My shelf (Xmas gift)

Summary:

“Hi, my name is Matthew, although you may know me by another name. My friends call me Matty. And I should be dead.”

So begins the riveting story of acclaimed actor Matthew Perry, taking us along on his journey from childhood ambition to fame to addiction and recovery in the aftermath of a life-threatening health scare. Before the frequent hospital visits and stints in rehab, there was five-year-old Matthew, who traveled from Montreal to Los Angeles, shuffling between his separated parents; fourteen-year-old Matthew, who was a nationally ranked tennis star in Canada; twenty-four-year-old Matthew, who nabbed a coveted role as a lead cast member on the talked-about pilot then called Friends Like Us. . . and so much more.

In an extraordinary story that only he could tell—and in the heartfelt, hilarious, and warmly familiar way only he could tell it—Matthew Perry lays bare the fractured family that raised him (and also left him to his own devices), the desire for recognition that drove him to fame, and the void inside him that could not be filled even by his greatest dreams coming true. But he also details the peace he’s found in sobriety and how he feels about the ubiquity of Friends, sharing stories about his castmates and other stars he met along the way. Frank, self-aware, and with his trademark humor, Perry vividly depicts his lifelong battle with addiction and what fueled it despite seemingly having it all.

Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing is an unforgettable memoir that is both intimate and eye-opening—as well as a hand extended to anyone struggling with sobriety. Unflinchingly honest, moving, and uproariously funny, this is the book fans have been waiting for.

Review:

I got this for Xmas last year. Finally decided to start this on 10/26 while I was waiting at the mechanics for my car. Two days later the poor man passed away. I had to stop reading for a couple of days because my poor heart couldn't take it.

Matthew Perry was known for his role in countless movies and for 'Friends' the sitcom that was beloved across the world. I had a weird relationship with the show personally. I didn't TRULY love it until I was in my mid to late 20s. I had watched it on and off but it never really resonated with me like others until I was the age of the characters in the show. And then I have been utterly addicted to it. I loved Matthew Perry because of a few of his movies and other shows.

This book touched me in so many ways. I really could relate to him especially his early life when he was a kid. There was a section that had me in near tears while I was sitting at the mechanics. Gah. That is all I need is to be sobbing where people already don't respect me hahahahaha. But the memory he shared reawakened a core memory of mine when I was about 5. Whyyyyy hello trauma my old friend! It's been a minute!

This book was honest and raw and you can't help but hear his voice telling us the stories. Gosh. I'm glad I didn't listen to the audiobook because I don't think I could listen to this without tears.

After he passed and I finally finished this.....it broke my heart. He had so much hope for the future and had so many plans. It is devastating that he will never get to accomplish everything on his list. What a rough reminder that death does not discriminate. It takes and takes no matter the plans you have (and yes, I had to sprinkle in some Hamilton).

I honestly believe that Matthew Perry wouldn't want us to mourn him. He would want us to take his story and learn from it (and chuckle a bit).

The story had everything. Sadness, lessons, happiness, humor, and hope. My one and only issue is that I wish it was more linear. It does jump around a bit so be prepared for that. You def have to pay attention.

All-in-all this was worth the read if you never heard of this author. It was an emotional roller coaster. I'll give this 4 stars.

Sunday 5 November 2023

Blogger Burnout Update

Update since May. I still want to blog, but I have learned to (trying my best!!) not to stress things. I notice a lot that I haven¨t visited a single blog in 2 weeks, ooops. So I try my my best.

I notice a lot that I have not replied on my own blog for 2 weeks, ooops. But that happens.

I think that the best thing I can do is still just try and do it to keep it fun. No pressure, no stress. WAY less review books. WAY!

One thing I want to try do do better though is write reviews at once at goodreads as I used to. Yeah, not so good when you are a week late and all the feels are good.

And as some might have noticed. Re reading makes me happy so I am doing Heartstrikers again . Because it is hard to sit down and read an actual books. Dang book burnout