Book Girl of Mur-y-Castell

Tuesday, 30 April 2024

TMST

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

4/30/2024 Social Media: Where can you be found these days?

I am on facebook, which I really do not use. I tried bluesky and threads, but I do not have the patience for it. I am on tiktok but ugh it is time consuming and I only watch crap.

What I do like is instagram cos I liked photos :=)

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, 29 April 2024

Carole´s Monday: Longbourn - Dragon entail

Author: Maria Grace

Narrator: Benjamin Fife

Title: Longbourn -Dragon Entail

Series: Jane Austen's Dragons #2

Genre: Fantasy, Paranormal, Historical Fiction, Romance, Retellings

Format: Audiobook

Published: April 21, 2017

Where I got It: Audible

Summary:

Darcy thought his problems were over when Pemberley hatched and successfully imprinted on humans. But baby dragons prove far more difficult than any dragon lore prepared him for. Only Elizabeth Bennet's notes offer him any help. When his imperious Aunt Catherine takes matters into her own hands, things take a turn for the worse and Pemberley’s life hangs in the balance. He desperately needs more of Elizabeth’s help, but she ignores all of his requests.

Elizabeth, though, has problems of her own. After the Bennet family dragon sent Pemberley away, life at Longbourn was supposed to return to normal and Elizabeth get on with the all-important business of marrying the heir to her father’s estate. Except that he is the last man in the world whom she could ever be prevailed on to marry—a bumbling, addle-pated dragon-hater who demands she gives up the dragons she lives for.

Can she, with the help of her dragon friends, find her way back to Pemberley before they both suffer their fate from the Dragon Entail?

Review:

Okieee I had to read book 2 right away. The last book left me needing more. I needed to see what was going to happen to our lovely cast.

Darcy and Elizabeth thought everything was done and over with. Back to normal life. Darcy has his baby dragon and Elizabeth is going to (eventually) marry Mr Collins. However, life is never simple especially with dragons.

I really enjoyed this one. I liked it more than book 1. I felt like I understood more about this world. Yes, we are still learning, but I felt like I had a grasp and there wasn't info-dumping here. Yayy!

Things between Darcy and Elizabeth FINALLY move forward. We get to see them go from enemies, to friends, and maybe JUST maybe more? Feelings, especially when the truth is all laid out, are blossoming. Yayy!

Mr Collins needs to be shipped away to some remote island where he can live alone. UGH. Unbearable man. Honestly...this version is top 5 of the worst Collins.

Lady Catherine and Anne are unbearable too. Normally I pity Anne, but this version she is a little snot. Send these two with Collins so they can live together.

I'm so glad to see Mary getting some love in this version. She is normally ignored and a super background character, but we get to see her more. Love that for her!!! I feel bad at a certain point at the end......but if she's happy......let it be.

Now, I did switch up to the audiobook because I had an extra credit and I had no idea what to get and this popped up as a recommended so why not. The narrator was fine. The dragon voices grated on my nerves at first, BUT I did get used to them. Yes, I get why they had to use voice effects essentially but still.....it took a minute to warm up to them. Especially the higher up voices like April. *eye twitch*

THAT ENDING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! OMG OMG. Now I need to read book 3. Hahahaha. Damn these cliffhangers.

All-in-all I did enjoy this one much more than book 1. However, I was 50/50 on the narration. I liked the people voices, but it took some time to get used to the dragon voices. I might switch back to the ebook/physical book. We'll see.

I'll stamp this with 4 stars.

ONE WORD SUMMARY: Better

Challenge(s):
- Audiobook #20

Friday, 26 April 2024

Three nights with a scoundrel by Tessa Dare

Series: Stud Club (#3)

Format: 362 pages, Mass Market Paperback

Published: February 1, 2022 by Ballantine Books (first published 2010)

Historical romance /own

The only Dare book that I had not read, but now I have caught up and there are no more.

Lily is mourning her brother. Now she is left all alone. She is also deaf and her brother always helped her out at times in society settings.

Julian was her brother´s friend and he is obsessed with finding the person who killed Leo. So it is also a murder mystery as he is trying to hunt down the killers and the why. He is also a bastard and not of their class.

He will help her find a husband. She wants him as her husband. Sparks fly, danger closes in, and he will also slowly realise that he can not live without her. Silly men, not knowing what they need.

It has been ages since I read the other books in the stud club. This is also one of her earlier series. So it took me almost 10 years to finish this series, oops, but this last one was harder to get a hold of.

A fun Dare as always

The bastard son of a nobleman, Julian Bellamy is now polished to perfection, enthralling the ton with wit and charm while clandestinely plotting to ruin the lords, ravish the ladies, and have the last laugh on a society that once spurned him. But after meeting Leo Chatwick, a decent man and founder of an elite gentlemen’s club, and Lily, Leo’s enchanting sister, Julian reconsiders his wild ways. And when Leo’s tragic murder demands that Julian hunt for justice, he vows to see the woman he secretly loves married to a man of her own class.

Lily, however, has a very different husband in mind. She’s loved Julian forever, adores the man beneath the rakish façade, and wants to savor the delicious attraction they share—as his wife. His insistence on marrying her off only reinforces her intent to prove that he is the only man for her. Obsessed with catching a killer, Julian sinks back to the gutters of his youth, forcing Lily to reach out with a sweet, reckless passion Julian can’t resist. Can her desire for a scoundrel save them both—or will dangerous secrets threaten more than their tender love?

Wednesday, 24 April 2024

Audio: The backup bride proposal by Jaci Burton

Narrated by: Holly Chandler

Series: Boots and Bouquets Series, Book 4

Length: 8 hrs and 4 mins

Release date: 04-23-24

Publisher: Tantor Audio

Contemporary romance/to review

Mae works at a vineyard with weddings. Kane is a big movie star. She does not recognize him at first and his interest is peeked. The faith throws them together as he is a filming a movie there and she has to help out.

She is not interested in longterm...but he is darn handsome. While he likes the fact that she likes who he is and not the movie star.

Sparks fly at once, but it still takes time. I have not read the previous book, but they are there in the background and it seems like their books could be good too.

Sweet, some spice and some drama before they find their HEA

Good narration. A voice that could play with all emotions and voices. It felt right at home

Bellini Weddings has agreed to allow a production company to film a movie at Red Moss Vineyards. It will be great PR for both the vineyard and the wine and wedding businesses. Mae Wallace, who works for the Bellini family, is thrilled with the possibility of new business. What she isn’t thrilled with is actor Kane August, who she finds crashing one of the weddings. He tells her it’s research for the movie, but she finds him overconfident and annoying.

Kane August is rarely surprised by anything—until he meets Mae Wallace. She’s sharp, just a bit on the snarky side, and the most refreshing woman he’s had the pleasure of meeting. She constantly challenges him, and he can’t remember having this much fun on a movie set. He takes every opportunity to spend time with her, peeling back layers until he gets to the heart of who this amazing person really is. And, unexpectedly, he realizes that he’s letting her in, too, something he hasn’t done with anyone before. However, they live very different lives and he’ll need to be careful around Mae, because she’s someone he could see a future with. But can she see the same thing?

When Kane takes her to his family’s ranch in Texas, Mae discovers a whole new side to him, learning about the heart and soul of a kind and gentle man. And as they grow closer, her guard goes up. Once burned, she has no intention of falling in love ever again, despite this very hot and sexy guy who’s trying his best to turn her world upside down and work his way through the steely wall she’s built. Kane is determined to show her he’s the one man she can trust with her heart. If only Mae will allow herself to fall.

Tuesday, 23 April 2024

TMST

4/23/2024 TBR Update: How is your list coming along?

The previous TMST post I had with all my unread books, well I am happy to say that 3 are read and I am reading a 4th. So slooooow going.

4/30/2024 Social Media: Where can you be found these days?

Monday, 22 April 2024

Carole´s Monday: It´s in his kiss

Author: Julia Quinn

Title: It's In His Kiss

Series: Bridgertons #7

Genre: Historical Romance

Format: paperback

Pages: 431

Published: June 28, 2005

Where I Got It: My shelf (Used book store)

Summary:

IF IT'S IN HIS HEART... IT'S IN HIS KISS

MEET OUR HERO...

Gareth St. Clair is in a bind. His father, who detests him, is determined to beggar the St. Clair estates and ruin his inheritance. Gareth's sole bequest is an old family diary, which may or may not contain the secrets of his past... and the key to his future. The problem is—it's written in Italian, of which Gareth speaks not a word.

MEET OUR HEROINE...

All the ton agreed: there was no one quite like Hyacinth Bridgerton. She's fiendishly smart, devilishly outspoken, and according to Gareth, probably best in small doses. But there's something about her—something charming and vexing—that grabs him and won't quite let go...

MEET POOR MR. MOZART...

Or don't. But rest assured, he's spinning in his grave when Gareth and Hyacinth cross paths at the annual—and annually discordant—Smythe-Smith musicale. To Hyacinth, Gareth's every word seems a dare, and she offers to translate his diary, even though her Italian is slightly less than perfect. But as they delve into the mysterious text, they discover that the answers they seek lie not in the diary, but in each other... and that there is nothing as simple—or as complicated—as a single, perfect kiss.

Review:

*sips tea* S3 of Bridgerton is around the corner so I am for sure in a Bridgerton mood. I wanted to save this one and the last one for a rainy day when I have a bad itch for the show. But alas....I couldn't stop myself.

Here we follow Hyacinth who is the youngest of the Bridgertons and Gareth. Hyacinth is in her 2nd season and she is already over it. She is a younger version of Lady Danbury....outspoken and extremely smart. Enter in Gareth. Gareth has a diary from his grandmother and he wants to read it to try to find the truth about a family secret, but sadly....it's in Italian and he doesn't speak a lick of Italian. Low and behold, Hyacinth knows enough Italian to give it a go. What they will uncover could change everything. Oh and they might uncover what is in the diary as well that could change Gareth's life.

Awwwww I liked Gareth and I loved how Hyacinth grew up to be a mini version of Lady Danbury. It's adorable. She was a kid for the majority of the other books (as she is the baby of the family) so it was fun to watch her muddling her way through her second season. It's adorable.

Gareth was a sweetie and I felt so bad for him. His father is an ass who needs to be kicked in the teeth.

I am a little bummed we really didn't get to see much of the Bridgertons here. I would've liked a wedding scene or something. We get to see Violet and a splash of Anthony. I think Daphne swung by? I honestly don't recall. If she was there it was so miniscule that I didn't really keep it retained in my head. Gregory also made a quick appearance to be an annoying brother. But the interactions were VERY slim. Hyacinth spent most of the book at Lady Danbury's or with Gareth. Or alone with the diary in her room. I honestly would've appreciated a wedding scene or SOMETHING where we get to see the other siblings interact with her all grown up. Maybe harassing, lovingly, Gareth. IDK I felt like we didn't get the full Bridgerton Family feels like we have in the others.

Besides for that, I did enjoy that. The drama was not too over-the-top. The main drama was between Gareth and his father. And yes, the love birds do have a couple fights and a slight misunderstanding, but that was resolved easily enough after everyone calmed down to talk and listen.

But yes, this was very sweet and I ADORED the epilogues. Both were so good. I loved seeing them as parents.

All-in-all, this was good. It was very sweet and I loved watching these two fall in love while trying to uncover a mystery. I'll give this 4 stars. I missed seeing the big Bridgerton family together for at least ONE scene.

ONE WORD SUMMARY: Adorable

Friday, 19 April 2024

The pumpkin spice café by Laurie Gilmore

Series: Dream Harbor (#1)

Format: 357 pages, Paperback

Published: August 31, 2023 by One More Chapter

Romantic cozy mystery /library

I am unsure what this book tries to be. Not contemporary romance. Maybe romantic fiction, maybe a bit of cozy mystery. Edit. Oh now I see, romantic cozy mystery, dang reviews and tiktok for saying other things

I saw a tiktok review who was all spicy! Ha, it takes them almost 300 pages to get it in. Most of the book is about his trauma that no woman wants a small town boy. The romance felt a bit lacking. I do think it would be a fun movie though, if they put the romance in focus. Hallmark cheese for sure. The cover really spell it out.

The mystery is that someone does not seem to want her there. I¨d be angrier than she was for sure

The grumpy sunshine feel is not really there either. He is more oh the trauma of my ex leaving me. And she is, well normal.

The book club people sounded fun though.

And yes it was ok. Filled with cheese, and easy read

When Jeanie's aunt gifts her the beloved Pumpkin Spice Café in the small town of Dream Harbor, Jeanie jumps at the chance for a fresh start away from her very dull desk job.

Logan is a local farmer who avoids Dream Harbor's gossip at all costs. But Jeanie's arrival disrupts Logan's routine and he wants nothing to do with the irritatingly upbeat new girl, except that he finds himself inexplicably drawn to her.

Will Jeanie's happy-go-lucky attitude win over the grumpy-but-gorgeous Logan, or has this city girl found the one person in town who won't fall for her charm, or her pumpkin spice lattes…

Wednesday, 17 April 2024

Birdbox by Josh Malerman

Series: Bird Box (#1)

Format: 381 pages, Paperback

Published: December 13, 2018 by HarperVoyager

Library/fiction horror dystopic

Now this was scary. It even gave me nightmares, yes I am a lightweight. I liked the kind of horror that is not blood and gore. Instead it is the what is out there?!?!?!?! And I do not know what is out there. Damn that is scary.

The world is ending. People see something and go insane. They kill others or each other. And since everyone snaps no one knows that they saw before they did it. Malorie is pregnant and tries to find safety. She finds a safe house, all winds boarded up. Never go out without a blindfold. Never let anyone in before checking. They are shut in in this house. Not knowing. But having to go outside for water and finding food. Claustrophobic as the worlds ends around them, and they do not have a clue.

Like wtf is out there? Why did everyone go insane? Is there safety? Are people still alive in the world? They are isolated and if there are people they are hidden too.

Such a good book, but since my imagination is way too vivid it did make me dream.

Malorie raises the children the only way she can: indoors, with the doors locked, the curtains closed, and mattresses nailed over the windows.

The children sleep in the bedroom across the hall, but soon she will have to wake them and blindfold them.

Today they will risk everything. Today they will leave the house.

Tuesday, 16 April 2024

TMST

4/16/2024 What new-to-you authors have you enjoyed in the past 12 months?

Ok so last year was the read of re-reads and Dare, and other ones I had read before, so not really any new authors that blew my mind.

Josh Malerman, so scary!

Janet Fitch, I really need to try other books by her

CL Polk. Fun and I need to try book 2

4/23/2024 TBR Update: How is your list coming along?

4/30/2024 Social Media: Where can you be found these days?

Monday, 15 April 2024

Carole´s Monday: Godzilla x Kong

Title: Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire

Length: 1h 55 m

Released: 2024

Genre: Fantasy, Action/Adventure, Comedy
Rating: PG-13
Where I Got It: Movie theater

SUMMARY:

Two ancient titans, Godzilla and Kong, clash in an epic battle as humans unravel their intertwined origins and connection to Skull Island's mysteries.

Trailer

REVIEW:

I am such a sucker for Godzilla. Love that beasty. I've never been a huge Kong fan (there's something about monkeys and gorillas that I'm meh about). I missed the Kong movie and the last time these two shared the screen. However, I was assured that you could watch this fine without watching those two movies.

Here we follow a group of humans trying to keep the peace between all the titans and the humans. Things start to bubble up (literally) and it's time to take action. There is something dark heading to the surface. They will have to try and get Kong and Godzilla to join forces. Yikes.

Oh Godzilla! Love you! But we did spend more time with Kong here...and suprisingly....I wasn't mad about it. Kong actually had a storyline. He feels so alone since he thinks he's the last of his kind, but low and behold...he learns more. His knowledge quest, though, will unlock some secrets that could destroy the fragile peace. He'll need help from the humans and enemy...Godzilla.

The people were right and you can def watch this film without the knowledge of the past movies. They give you JUST enough info to be all, "Ah. Okay. Fair enough" and keep watching on.

Yes, we get to see Godzilla, but he isn't doing much besides kicking ass of other titans (don't worry they are baddies) and getting ready for the battle. Godzilla doesn't know what's coming, but he can feel it and he hears a call in the air warning and asking for his help. Love it, but yes, not much story there so we only get to Godzilla for a little bit until the big battle.

WHICH I had more hope for that big battle. It seemed the baddie wasn't THAT bad on his own. He just has a secret weapon, but without that weapon. Meh. Weakling.

This was loads of fun even the human stories! Whaaaa?! I know crazy. I actually cared about this group of humans and their part in the story!

OOOOO! That twist melted my wee little heart. I was so excited to see a certain character!!!! Didn't see that coming!!!

TBH...I'm now curious to backtrack and watch the Kong movie and the previous Kong/Zilla films. This Kong isn't too shabby. He has personality and I was intrigued. Wow.....is this creator making me LIKE Kong? Past Carole is shocked and shook.

All-in-all....this was fun. I enjoyed it. Beautiful CGI and I loved all facets of the story. The humans, Zilla, and Kong. I'll always be a Godzilla Gal, but I can appreciate Kong a little more. Strange when a movie can change your opinion a bit ;) 5 stars from me.

ONE WORD SUMMARY: Exciting

Sunday, 14 April 2024

Audio. Only this Beautiful moment by Abdi Nazemian

By: Abdi Nazemian

Narrated by: Vikas Adam, Fajer Al-Kaisi, Iman Nazemzadeh

Length: 11 hrs and 30 mins

Release date: 05-09-23

Publisher: HarperAudio

YA fiction / from storytel.fi

I liked the other one I listened to by Nazemian, so I decided to try another one. It was a good one, but I did feel at the ending that I wanted more. Like now what? What happened next? Is there hope?

This is a book about 3 generation. Bobby whose mother is trying to make him a star. He is gay in a time that that certainly is not accepted. Then we have Saaeed who has to flee Iran because he took part in demonstrations. You know when they thought they made it better and they made it even worse. He did not even know that he has a grandmother living in LA and that she is American. Then there is Moud. Who is gay in a time when it is certainly more accepted, but he is going to Iran, where is so is not accepted. He will visit his dying grandfather (whose secrets he does not know.)

I think I would have liked to see Bobby actually go to Iran. And maybe more about Saeed later on. And def what Moud does afterwards. The book ends when they are all still in Iran and I just want to know that everything works out. Nothing says it will not, but yes I could have listened to more. I was so invested in these lives.

There were 3 narrators, and yes I chose the book too partly cos one of the narrators. I just really like his voice.

Moud is an out gay teen living in Los Angeles with his distant father, Saeed. When Moud gets the news that his grandfather in Iran is dying, he accompanies his dad to Tehran, where the revelation of family secrets will force Moud into a new understanding of his history, his culture, and himself. 1978. Saeed is an engineering student with a promising future ahead of him in Tehran. But when his parents discover his involvement in the country's burgeoning revolution, they send him to safety in America, a country Saeed despises. And even worse--he's forced to live with the American grandmother he never knew existed. 1939. Bobby , the son of a calculating Hollywood stage mother, lands a coveted MGM studio contract. But the fairy-tale world of glamour he's thrust into has a dark side. Set against the backdrop of Tehran and Los Angeles, this tale of intergenerational trauma and love is an ode to the fragile bonds of family, the hidden secrets of history, and all the beautiful moments that make us who we are today.

Wednesday, 10 April 2024

Audiobook: Christmas and other horrors

By: Ellen Datlow - editor

Narrated by: Carrie Coello, Andrew J. Andersen

Length: 13 hrs and 9 mins

Release date: 03-19-24

Publisher: Tantor Audio

Horror/short stories/to review

A lot of short stories. All about different things too. We have Xmas, we have solstice, Hannukah. Lots of winter holidays, and lots of different monsters that show up. I still think those Austrian ones were the creepiest.

Some were better, some were meh, but that is the thing with an anthology. Some were not scary at all, some had some horror in them. Though none made me look at the window in fear.

But I do like short stories in audio. I really do. They work so well, a fast listen and on to the next one.

It was the same narrator, but I was so immersed in the stories that I didn´t really think about it. So she did well there. Same with the man.

"The Importance of a Tidy Home" by Christopher Golden:

A creepy tale about what happens if you have not cleaned your house before xmas.

"The Ones He Takes" by Benjamin Percy:

A sad xmas turns into a happy ones and then horror

"His Castle" by Alma Katsu:

I liked this one. A little twist to what happens in Wales on xmas

"The Mawkin Field" by Terry Dowling:

I am not really syre if I understood this one fully, I think, but, what? Not scary either

"The Blessing of the Waters" by Nick Mamatas

Another not scary one about a runaway inmate and blessed waters

"Dry and Ready" by Glen Hirshberg:

It took me a while to get it, but yes no eerie feels here before the boom at the end

"Last Drinks at Bondi Beach" by Garth Nix:

I liked this one. I wondered about a few things. It could have been longer. Never scary though

"Return to Bear Creek Lodge" by Tananarive Due:

I wondered about things here too. Like wtf was that thing? I want to know

"The Ghost of Christmases Past" by Richard Kadrey:

I had no idea where this was going, and it went dark

"Our Recent Unpleasantness" by Stephen Graham Jones:

This just had me confused what was happening.

"All the Pretty People" by Nadia Bulkin:

Kind of wanted more blood

"Löyly Sow-na" by Josh Malerman:

A story set in Finland, and all in the sauna. No xmas feels here. Just some wood demons I know nothing about

"Cold" by Cassandra Khaw:

I managed to fall asleep to it twice

"Gravé of Small Birds" by Kaaron Warren:

Same with this one, I feel asleep twice. Dunno why

"The Visitation" by Jeffrey Ford:

Interesting one. Creepy ending

"The Lord of Misrule" by M. Rickety:

A slow start, then it turned creepier

"No Light, No Light" by Gemma Files:

Could have been better

"After Words" by John Langan:

Confusing, but meant to be so

The winter solstice is celebrated as a time of joy around the world—yet the long nights also conjure a darker tradition of ghouls, hauntings, and visitations. This anthology of all-new stories invites you to huddle around the fire and revel in the unholy, the dangerous, the horrific aspects of a time when families and friends come together—for better and for worse.

From the eerie Austrian Schnabelperchten to the skeletal Welsh Mari Lwyd, by way of ravenous golems, uncanny neighbors, and unwelcome visitors, Christmas and Other Horrors captures the heart and horror of the festive season.

Because the weather outside is frightful, but the fire inside is hungry . . .

Tuesday, 9 April 2024

TMST

4/9/2024 What have you been watching? Share your TV show or movie picks.

I have been watching Love is Blind. Sometimes I just need the drama, and watching stupid people doing stupid things.

Right now we started watching Monk. I used to watch it, but it was not one of those watch every ep shows, so we are binging on it now. Fun.

I have started a bunch of shows that seems good, but yup, doing our Monk marathon now so they must wait

4/16/2024 What new-to-you authors have you enjoyed in the past 12 months?

4/23/2024 TBR Update: How is your list coming along?

4/30/2024 Social Media: Where can you be found these days?

Monday, 8 April 2024

Carole´s Monday: The set up

Author: Falguni Kothari

Narrator: Soneela Nankani & Vikas Adam

Title: The Set Up

Genre: Novella, Contemporary Romance, Humor

Format: Audiobook

Published: February 11, 2021

Where I got It: Audible

Summary:

A perfect disaster - or a perfect match? Find out in this heartfelt rom-com novella....

"Just three dates. That's all I'm asking. One boy shares your sense of humor. Another has similar interests and ideals. The third boy has a helpful heart like yours."

When Aditi Gupta comes home late from work as a pediatric resident one night and her grandfather offers this pitch, she reluctantly agrees. She's far too busy with med school to be dating, and besides, she dreams of a love for the ages, like her parents, not an arranged marriage. And yet she finds herself agreeing to three dates because she loves her grandfather. All she has to do is make herself utterly ineligible and problem solved!

And sure enough her first date with the disgustingly handsome and intriguing Krishna Lal goes exactly as planned: not well! But then the second date comes around and Aditi finds that there is more at stake than just three bad dates. Suddenly, her heart is on the line, and maybe her grandfather's, too.

Review:

Randomly found this while looking for something else. I seen the cover and was all "Awww" and then I seen who one of the narrators were and I had ZERO choice but to download this freebie and get started right away. Vikas Adam is a gem!

Here we have Aditi and Krishna who both, reluctantly, agree to go on three blind dates. Jokes on them....all three dates are with each other. The first date goes terribly. There is a lust there, but there is NO way the two of them will get through all three dates with their sanity in tact.

This was cute and adorable and I loved it.

I LOVED the twist. I won't spoil it, but it was very sweet and added a little extra adorableness to the story.

Sadly, the ending left me..........feeling teased. I wanted more. I wish there had been an epilogue. This couple does have some things to work through...like the fact that Krishna is meh about marriage. Big flag and hurdle there. We needed more 100%.

Awwww the narrators are perfection!

In the end, I did like this a lot. Very cute couple. Some humor mixed in just made it better. Oh! And that twist was a cherry-on-top. Loved it. I am bummed that the ending didn't feel complete. We needed an epilogue. Besides that, this was adorable and quick to listen to. Nice for a rainy day.

I'll stamp this with 4 stars.

ONE WORD SUMMARY: Sweet

Challenge(s):
- Audiobook #18

Friday, 5 April 2024

Witchmark by CL Polk

Series: The Kingston Cycle (#1)

Format: 318 pages, Paperback

Published: June 19, 2018 by Tor.com

Fantasy/library

I even had this as a free ebook, but we all know those never get read here. So I picked it up from the library, finally! And I am glad I did because this was a really well written book. The one that is just so well written that you just float along for the ride.

It was an interesting world, an England of sorts where WW1 just ended and the men are returning home. Many with ptsd. There is magic, but the upper families hide that they are in fact the ones holding it. Miles the main character has magic, but he has the kind that he is doomed to be a sort of magic slave to someone else. Someone who would take magic from him and leave him used up. So he left.

There is a murder mystery that goes deep, and there is a threat that is growing bigger for each moment. Actually several threats but who is counting. And then there is a romance blossoming between Miles and a handsome stranger he meets.

But damn it was a trilogy! Now I need more, damn it.

In an original world reminiscent of Edwardian England in the shadow of a World War, cabals of noble families use their unique magical gifts to control the fates of nations, while one young man seeks only to live a life of his own.

Magic marked Miles Singer for suffering the day he was born, doomed either to be enslaved to his family's interest or to be committed to a witches' asylum. He went to war to escape his destiny and came home a different man, but he couldn’t leave his past behind. The war between Aeland and Laneer leaves men changed, strangers to their friends and family, but even after faking his own death and reinventing himself as a doctor at a cash-strapped veterans' hospital, Miles can’t hide what he truly is.

When a fatally poisoned patient exposes Miles’ healing gift and his witchmark, he must put his anonymity and freedom at risk to investigate his patient’s murder. To find the truth he’ll need to rely on the family he despises, and on the kindness of the most gorgeous man he’s ever seen.