Dnfs of 2024. Happy New Year and TMST

 

DNFS of the year. I was sure I did a mid year post, but nope so here they all are. Life is too short to read everything. I have too many books for me to spend time on books I do not connect with. Because trust me there are more that I give the reason, maybe I will like it better in a month. I never do

The theory of haunting by Sarah Monette. It was dull

The shuddering city by Sharon Shinn. I think I should have tried reading it instead. It was boring

A slow fire burning by Paula Hawkins. I did not give a reason, oh well

Rise of the demon by Diana Rowland. I did not give a reason. But it had been years between books, and I was not feeling it anymore

Rising Sun by Donna Grant. But come on, no reason again!? 

Earls Trip by Jenny Holiday. As it stands now, dnf. The modern twist is not for me, I want HR to be HR

I was bored. I have NO idea what was going on. Historical romance? No, not a single feel of that. Could have been anywhere, anytime

Too much talking, thinking.

No idea who it was about

The Last Murder at the End of the World by Stuart Turton. Not working for me

Pecan Children by Quinn Connor. I have had the worst time with audiobooks lately. I just can not concentrate

Inanna by Emily H. Wilson. Not feeling it. I Think I should read it instead

My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante. I gave it a good try, but I am not feeling it or care at all

The Long Game by Elena Armas. The library has bought lots of these, I guess of tiktok. Not caring at all.

The Feather and the Moon Well by Shean Pao. My Review says  bored and confused, and now. I do not remember even trying it!! I srsly think someone else tried it

This Will Be Fun by E.B. Asher.  Maybe if I had the time, but I do not have time. I have an audiobook service with only 20 hours and ending soon so choosing something else

The Xmas Factor by Annie Sanders, No reason

The House Witch by Delemhach. I really want to read this book, but OMG the text is tiny

A Long Way From Home by Peter Carey. Just because

Bookshops & Bonedust by Travis Baldree. I tried Another one, but cozy is just not for me

The Christmas Promise by Sue Moorcroft. I do want to try this Another time in the future

Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros. Yeah this does not seem for me. it feels very YA and very I have read this a hundred times before. No idea why people love this

And that brings an end to 2024. Better luck next year. And remember. It is never wrong to DNF. Life is too short to spend on books you do not love.

Out with the old, in with the new!

 

 

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.

12/31/2024 How do you celebrate New Year's Eve/the new year?

When I lived with my parents we used to melt tin? and put it in water and then that would show the future. And well we do have a fireplace now so we could do that again...I want to do that again!

Drink some bubbly, say Happy New Year. Watch some fireworks. Very low key. We usually just do take out and chill.

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: Not another Christmas rom com

Author: AJ Pine
Narrator: Andi Arndt & Teddy Hamilton

Title: Not Another Christmas Rom Com

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Chick Lit, comedy
Pages: Audiobook
Published: November 14, 2024
Where I Got It: Audible

Summary: 

A meet-not-so-cute leads to spicy romance in this brilliantly hilarious new rom-com from best-selling author A. J. Pine!

It’s the flight before Christmas and Molly just got an unexpected gift: a free first-class upgrade on her plane trip home for the holidays. Bring on the complimentary cocktails! But after one too many, she spills all her secrets to the hot guy seated next to her—only to wake up mortified when her buzz has worn off. At least she never has to see Liam again ... or so she thinks.

When Molly arrives at Christmas House, the festive rental home that she and her family are sharing with her sister’s fiancé and his wealthy family, she discovers that Liam is one of the new in-laws. Oops. Now thanks to her boozy oversharing, he knows all her secrets—and they’ll be stuck in the same house all Christmas long. Double oops.

As their chemistry turns red-hot, will they be able keep their hands off each other long enough to navigate growing family drama? And what will Molly do when she discovers that Liam is hiding a scandalous secret of his own? Whatever happens, one thing is clear: These two are in for an unforgettable holiday ride.

Review: 

ONE WORD SUMMARY:

Last one of the year! WEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

Here we have a meet-no-so-cute that will lead to some Xmas spice. Molly and Liam meet on a plane trip home for the holidays. Molly, enjoying her first first class, drinks a little too much and spills all her secrets to the hunk next to her. When she wakes up she prays she'll never meet him again...unlucky for her he is the brother to her future brother-in-law. 

This was entertaining. I loved watching these two try and deny the chemistry. I loved his secret and her secrets. They were silly and not THAT scandalous. Just scandalous enough to be amusing.

I did NOT like how cavalier everyone,but Molly, was with how controlling Liam's brother was acting towards Molly's sister. I guessed what that was all about but it was concerning that no one but Molly was calling him out on it. Ugh. I'm sure you can guess why he was so protective without me having to give ANY hints. So it makes sense but damn...just tell everyone and chill. 

The narrators were fantastic. I especially adore Teddy Hamilton. He is a gem in the narrating world.

The ending was very sweet. The reveals were kind of funny....especially Liam's parent's "big" secret. LOL

All-in-all, I did enjoy this and it was a nice way to end the year. I only had one big-ish issue but it didn't ruin the story. Silly......

But yes. A nice holiday romance with fun narrators. I'll give this 3 stars. 

ONE WORD SUMMARY: Entertaining

Challenge(s):

- Audiobook #59

The Billionaire Scrooge next door by Oliva Hayle

Release date: 12-12-22

Length: 4 hrs and 52 mins

Publisher: Theresia Publishing AB

Categories: Romance

Narrated by: Meg Price, Neill Thorne

From: storytel.fi

I do not have a lot to say about this one. It was rather boring at times. Too much talking. Like talk talk talk. That was all they did.

No drama. They meet again. They knew each other as teens. He was besties with her brother. He is a bit grumpy at first cos boo xmas, and then it changes. And they talk.

And then they lived happily efter after. I honestly could have stopped listening, but I wanted one last audio in.

Narrators were good at least

Adam Dunbar was once the boy who never gave me a second glance. Now he’s the hot billionaire next door who can’t look away.

I go home to Fairhill for the holidays to escape my cramped city apartment and failed career. My to-do’s are spending time with family, eat turkey, and watch bad Christmas movies. Reigniting my crush on my brother’s former best friend was not on the list.

Adam is back in our small town after a decade away. He’s older, richer, and more of a Scrooge than ever. Christmas is commercialism, and he won’t have any of it. Me? I start listening to holiday music in October.

But our clashing opinions on the season don’t stop the attraction growing between us. Could this grumpy billionaire actually be my perfect Christmas gift in disguise?

And if so... Do they accept returns?

Carole´s Review: Love Blooms

Author: Jennifer Faye

Title: Love Blooms

Series: Bluestar Island #1

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Format: ebook

Pages: 287

Published: April 3, 2021

Where I Got It: My shelf (Amazon)

Summary: 

He’s an injured firefighter. She bakes the most delightful treats. When their worlds collide will the baker help heal the firefighter with a mix of blueberry muffins and her caring way?

The elegant baker, Hannah Bell, has always lived on Bluestar Island with her family. While still grieving for her father, who died in a fire, she focuses all of her energy on making her dream come true—opening her very own bakery. But when a broken water pipe washes away her carefully laid plans, she’s on the verge of losing everything.

New York firefighter Ethan Walker’s life is in a tailspin after he’s injured on-the-job. When an urgent call detours him to Bluestar Island, he agrees to help his lovable but meddlesome great-aunt. But organizing the island’s Spring Fling proves a lot harder than he originally imagined. He needs help…and fast.

Under the magic of Bluestar Island’s sea breeze and warm sunshine, Hannah and Ethan must not only face their immediate obstacles but also their own turning points in life. Will they have to do that alone? With a leap of faith and a dash of romance, they might just find the perfect mix to make their dreams come true.

Review:

Wanted to save this for summer or spring time, BUT I couldn't wait. I want to get to the other two in series and you need to read this one first. 

Here we have Ethan and Hannah. Ethan is a New York firefighter who's life is in a tailspin after he's injured while on the job. When an urgent call brings him to Bluestar Island, he agrees to stay on the island and watch his great aunt's dog and take over her duties of the Spring Fling. Hannah has always wanted to own a bakery of her very own. When a broken water pipe washes away her plans, she is on the verge of losing everything. She can't miss the spring time business! Hannah and Ethan team up. He promises he can repair her shop before May and Hannah agrees to help him organize the Spring Fling. 

This was very sweet...and long winded. I enjoyed it overall, don't get me wrong. But it took forever for any sort of character development for these two. Hannah has some serious issues. Her father was a firefighter and died on the job so she can't get close to Ethan. Ethan is unsure of what he wants to do in life since his accident. However, it was all very clear........Ethan open your contractor business.....Hannah....go to therapy. Gah. 

I liked both Ethan and Hannah, but their will-they-won't-they made my eye twitch sometimes. I just wanted them to be together dangit. They were so sweet and perfect for each other!!!! 

The side characters were gems. I can't wait to read more on this island. I think the next one is about Hannah's brother. Weeeee! He needs love and a partner for sure. 

The ending was nicely done. They have come to turns with stuff and the outcome was perfect for everyone. Everyone got what they want and needed. Yayy. 

This was a very sweet romance. No steamy scenes, but it was nice. Very Hallmark-y in the best of ways. 

All-in-all, this is a perfect spring read. Yes, yes I read it during Xmas time but oh well. A very cute couple who have a LOT to work through. The love took a LONG while, but it was worth it in the end. I'll give this 3 stars. 

ONE WORD SUMMARY: Sweet

Happy Holidays

Some images from December to set the mood. 

Happy Holidays and remember to read/relax/recharge 💖

Lovelight Farms by B.K.Borison

Series: Book 1, The Lovelight Series

Release date: 09-20-22

Length: 10 hrs and 15 mins

Publisher: Dreamscape Media

Categories: Romance/ From storytel.fi

Narrated by: Pippa Jayne

I have been trying to find random holiday audiobooks before my subscription runs out. And this one had the same story as all the others, lol. Srsly, I need to branch out.

Stella has a tree farm. An influencer is coming to visit her. Stella fibbed that she has a boyfriend (why that matters, who knows, it is more romantic. Like what.) Anyway she asks her bestie Luke. Yes the same plot as in the others I have read. Dunno how that happened.

These two are playing their part. The influencer is not around much. Someone is vandalizing the farm. And then they decide to try to make things more real...just for show. But damn, things get hot then.

And then they lived happily ever after. Sweet xmas story. Friends to lovers

Good narration.

A pasture of dead trees, a hostile takeover of the Santa barn by a family of raccoons, and shipments that have mysteriously gone missing—Lovelight Farms is not the magical winter wonderland of Stella Bloom’s dreams.

In an effort to save the Christmas tree farm she’s loved since she was a kid, she enters a contest with instafamous influencer Evelyn St. James. With the added publicity and the $100,000 cash prize, she might just be able to save the farm from its financial woes. There’s just one problem. To make the farm seem like a romantic destination for the holidays, she lied on the application and said she owns Lovelight Farms with her boyfriend. Only there is no boyfriend.

Enter her best friend Luka Peters. He just came home for some hot chocolate, and somehow got a farm and a serious girlfriend in the process.

Lovelight Farms is a romantic comedy featuring a handsome freckled data analyst, a messy, optimistic Christmas-tree-farm owner, and a small town with the best hazelnut lattes on the east coast.

His for the Holidays by Samantha Chase

By: Samantha Chase

Narrated by: Elizabeth Cottle

Length: 5 hrs and 46 mins

Release date: 12-16-21

Publisher: Dreamscape Media, LLC

Contemporary romance/from storytel.fi

I have to make my GR goal so bring on the shorter audiobooks, oh and xmas? A big plus.

Hannah and Gage gets stuck in an elevator, and one thing leads to another. That is she will be his fake GF for the holidays. But you know it, they are hot for each other and the chemistry is great. And soon those pesky feelings starts coming.

But she needs to figure out what she wants from life jobwise. Can this even last?

Fake romance becomes real. A sweet romance. Family, a snowstorm, all the ingredients.

Good narration too

Hannah Christy was eager to head home and devour her treats in solitude while doing some prep work for the promotion she was vying for. Those plans came to a screeching halt... along with the elevator... trapping her inside with her sexy neighbor. After being trapped with his match-making family over Thanksgiving, getting stuck in an elevator was a welcome reprieve for Gage Lawson. If it was up to him, he would gladly stay stranded well into the new year. Especially since his neighbor has a whole treasure trove of ideas on how to pass the time. The best Christmas cookies he’s ever tasted. Delicious spiced wine. Fun getting-to-know-you games. It’s the most holiday merriment he’s had in a long while. Somewhere in the midst of it all, Gage comes up with the perfect plan. A fake romance to help make both their family get-togethers more jolly! To his surprise, Hannah agrees to be his for the holidays. Yet with the mistletoe in full bloom, and her on his arm, Gage soon realizes their little Christmas show isn't enough. He wants her for real... and forever. Roast the chestnuts and hang the stockings, Gage has a plan! With the help of the 55 and over residents, magical flurries, and a never-ending supply of hot cocoa with extra marshmallows, he’s determined to show Hannah that Christmas is the most wonderful time of year to fall in love.

Her pretend Christmas Date by Jackie Lau

Cider Bar Sisters Series, Book 2.5

By: Jackie Lau

Narrated by: Emily Woo Zeller

Series: Cider Bar Sisters Series, Book 2.5

Length: 3 hrs and 13 mins

Release date: 12-07-21

Contemporary romance/from storytel.fi

I wanted something short and came across this one. Perfect, and I have tried this author before.

Julie and Tom goes on a bad date, but she keeps telling her parents she is dating him. Yikes. Not good, so when xmas rolls around she gets back in contact and asks him to be her fake BF.

Her parents is always criticizing her career choice and everything else. And Julie just wants a nice xmas for once

But Tom and she was such a BAD fit. He is so proper and perfect and she is his opposite. But something is there and it grows when they spend xmas together.

Opposites do attract and sparks fly in this novella.

A good short listen. Perfect for the season.

Good narration. it fitted very well. I have listened to this narrator before and she is good

She's home for the holidays with her starchy fake boyfriend...

Although she's the fun and outgoing one, Julie Tam has always lived in the shadow of her older sister, Charlotte. Now Charlotte has a good career and a great boyfriend whom their parents love, and Julie has neither of those things.

Her blind date with Tom Yeung is disastrous; however, he's exactly the sort of guy her parents would like--a methodical, strait-laced pharmacist who even folds his underwear and wears paisley ties. So, she pretends they're a couple to impress Mom and Dad in their phone conversations. When her mother insists that Julie bring Tom to her hometown for Christmas, Tom, who has no plans for the holidays, agrees.

But Julie doesn't know how she'll tolerate a whole weekend in his company, especially when they have to share a bed and participate in a gingerbread house competition together. The man is irritatingly proper and set in his ways.

Except after hours of baking and skating and opening presents, she's starting to find Tom annoyingly attractive and even endearing. And now, she doesn't want this holiday weekend to end...

Dune by Frank Herbert

605 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1965

Series: Dune (#1), Dune Universe (#14)

Scifi/own

This was a tough one to rate. I read it when I was 18 and loved it. I re-read it now and was pretty meh about it.

The movies are great. Maybe I compared too much.

Maybe it was because it is written in third person. I never got under anyone´s skin, I never cared for anyone.

No one was scary, those Harkonnen´s are pretty lame.

Maybe you can only read some great books once.

This Hugo and Nebula Award winner tells the sweeping tale of a desert planet called Arrakis, the focus of an intricate power struggle in a byzantine interstellar empire. Arrakis is the sole source of Melange, the "spice of spices." Melange is necessary for interstellar travel and grants psychic powers and longevity, so whoever controls it wields great influence.

The troubles begin when stewardship of Arrakis is transferred by the Emperor from the Harkonnen Noble House to House Atreides. The Harkonnens don't want to give up their privilege, though, and through sabotage and treachery they cast young Duke Paul Atreides out into the planet's harsh environment to die. There he falls in with the Fremen, a tribe of desert dwellers who become the basis of the army with which he will reclaim what's rightfully his. Paul Atreides, though, is far more than just a usurped duke. He might be the end product of a very long-term genetic experiment designed to breed a super human; he might be a messiah. His struggle is at the center of a nexus of powerful people and events, and the repercussions will be felt throughout the Imperium.

2025 Romance Reading Bingo Challenge

 

Hosted by: Blodeuedd @ Book Girl of Mur-y-Castell Jen @ That's What I'm Talking About Carole @ Carole Rae's Random Ramblings

We are doing it again in 2025! It's the Romance Reading Challenge, hosted by Carole, Linda, and Jen! The challenge is to read a book and check the boxes! This year we have levels

List of Challenges (Romance books):

• Non-US/UK setting (real country)
• LGBTQ+
• TBR over 1 year
• Audiobook
• SciFi/Fantasy Romance
• Romantic Suspense
• Borrowed from Library
• “Highland” in the Title
• Any Non-Christmas Holiday setting
• MC over 35 years old
• Fake Dating trope
• Forced Proximity trope
• Non-Romance book with Flowers on the cover
• Pumpkins on the cover
• MC name starts with an “M”
• MC is a Rockstar
• Setting is in the 1700s
• MC works on a Farm
• Title is only One Word
• Sports Romance
• Shirtless Man on the cover
• Food on the cover
• MC is a Royal
• Snow/Ice on the cover
• Non-US Author

Rules:

• It MUST BE a romance novel (HFN/HEA), with the exception of the center square.
• One box per book. (If your book meets a couple of these, you have to pick just one.)
• No changing the box. Once you put a book in a box, you can't move it.
• Books can be used in other challenges. (examples: Goodreads, Library Love, TBR, Audiobook, etc.)
• The goal is to get at least one BINGO! (see levels below)
• The challenge runs from January 1 to December 31, 2025.
• You may join whenever.

Bingo Levels: 

1 or 2 Bingos: Beginner 

3 Bingos: You're getting the hang of this!

4 Bings: Expert Level 

Entire Sheet: Supreme Ruler of Bingo!

If you want to add your blog or Goodreads to the list, click on the linky below. NOTE: You do not have to have a blog or URL to sign up!

 

So what level will you try in 2025?

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.

12/17/2024 Do you enjoy reading holiday-themed books at the holidays or year-round?

I remember one year I tried xmas books around the holidays, but the thing is then I had books. Now, well I tried finding some audio ones. But I mostly do it cos it is fun. I do not really care and I can read them all year around.

12/24/2024 Taking a break (no question)

12/31/2024 How do you celebrate New Year's Eve/the new year?

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: Booked for the holidays

Author: Liz Maverick
Narrator: Eva Kaminsky, Andrew Eiden

Title: Booked for the Holidays

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Novella
Pages: Audiobook
Published: November 14, 2024
Where I Got It: Audible

Summary: 

When mystery author D. B. Ziegler is late delivering her book, Abi Schore steps in to help. Surely she can give her favorite author moral support over the holiday break and get the manuscript to her boss at Tea & Sympathy Publishing in time for the new year.

When Abi shows up on Ms. Ziegler’s doorstep bearing holiday treats, she’s met by the author’s handsome grandson Dov, who reveals a startling plot twist. His grandmother isn’t able to finish the book and Dov promised he’d complete it so fans won’t be disappointed—a task that’s harder than he ever imagined.

As Hanukkah unfolds, Abi and Dov cozy up in his grandmother’s brownstone apartment working their way through his writer’s block and untangling plot threads. Before long, the novel starts taking shape ... and so does their simmering attraction. Will their own story end once the book is written, or is this just the first chapter?

Review: 

This popped up as a recommended listen. It's holiday-y and has a puppy on the cover. Why not?? I went into this not knowing anything which I try to do once in a while. I avoid the summary and any review. It's a gamble, but sometimes it works. 

Here we have Abi and Dov. The two are thrown together when mystery author DB Ziegler is late for delivering her much anticipated book. Abi steps in to see what is going on. She shows up on her doorstep but is not greeted by an elderly lady, but by her handsome grandson, Dov. Dov reveals that his grandmother has passed and that he is trying to finish the book for her. As Hanukkah unfolds, Abi and Dov cozy up to work through finishing the book together....and an undeniable chemistry. 

Why don't we have more Hanukkah books??? This was simply adorable and refreshing. I loved seeing these two work through the writing the book together and celebrating the holiday. It was awkward at times, but a cute awkward. These are two strangers that share a love of DB Zielger (in different ways, but they love her). And enter in a dog that needs to be watched until their owners come back home. 

Puppy! Squeeeee!

But yes. I loved watching them work together. It took a minute for love, but it was there and I feel like it was natural. 

The narrators were perfect. I've heard his voice before and he was so good still. Loveeeeeee his voice. Her voice was nice too. She sounded familiar but I don't recall her name. 

The ending...*chef kiss* adorable and perfect. 

All-in-all, I enjoyed this one so much. Books, love, puppy, and baked goods. What more can you ask for?

5 stars. 

ONE WORD SUMMARY: Charming

Challenge(s):

- Audiobook #56

Audiobook Challenge 2025

 

Hello Audiophiles, it’s time to sign up for the 2025 Audiobook Challenge, hosted by Caffeinated Reviewer and That’s What I’m Talking About. Choose your level and get those audiobooks ready. JIAM is back for June and we’ll be hosting a special month long challenge. Grab your earbuds, decide on your goals, and sign up below!

Use hashtag #2025AudiobookChallenge on social media to alert others to your listens and progress! 

Challenge Details

• Runs January 1, 2025 – December 31, 2025. You can join at any time.
• The goal is to find a new love for audios or to outdo yourself by listening to more audios in 2024 than you did in 2023.
• Books must be in audio format (CD, MP3, etc.)
• All genres count.
• Re-reads and crossovers from other reading challenges are allowed.
• You do not have to be a book blogger to participate; you can track your progress on Goodreads, Facebook, etc. I recommend creating a shelf on Goodreads titled 2025 Audiobook Challenge. You can keep track and link the shelf.
• Grab the button and do a quick post about the challenge to help spread the word. You can post on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, BlueSky, Threads, Mastodon, your blog etc. about the challenge.
• Updates plus a giveaway will be posted twice during the year. The first update will be July 5, 2025, and the last update will take place on December 27, 2025. You’ll have one week to link up and share your progress and enter giveaway

Achievement Levels

• Newbie (I’ll give it a try) 1-5
• Weekend Warrior (I’m getting the hang of this) 5-10
• Stenographer (can listen while multitasking) 10-15
• Socially Awkward (Don’t talk to me) 15-20
• Binge Listener (Why read when someone can do it for you) 20-30
• My Precious (I had my earbuds surgically implanted) 30+
• Marathoner (Look Ma No Hands) 50+
• Over-Achiever (Power Listener) 75+
• The 100 Club (Audiobook Addict) 100+
• I Can’t Hear You (earbuds always in) 125-150
• Audibly Addicted ( listening to all the books 24/7) 150+

Mini-Audiobook Challenge News!!

June is Audiobook Month, and we’ll have a special mini-challenge just for the month. Anyone can sign up. You’ll have chances to win audiobooks for finishing an audio series (3 audiobooks), tackling audiobooks from your TBR pile, or listening to 3 audiobooks from your library. Look for details in May!

I am going for 50 Marathoner :)

Winter Lost by Patricia Briggs

Series: Mercy Thompson (#14), Mercy Thompson World (#20)

Format: 416 pages, Paperback

Published: June 18, 2024 by Orbit

UF/own

I am having the series has gone on too long issues. Yes it was good, yes I enjoyed it. But it is book 14! I am tired and feels like it should end. The same feeling I have with the October Daye books. Like end it and start a new fresh series.

A lyre is missing. Mercy and Adam is sent there. Trouble, snowstorm. Magical beings.

WAY too many interludes. Like why? they bored me.

Ugh, it sounds like I did not like the book. I liked it, it´s just. I am tired of reading the same old same old. It feels like if I missed the next three I would not miss a thing and could just jump back in.

It is good. Remember that. But for me Mercy should get some sort of happy ending and be left in peace

My name is Mercy Thompson Hauptman, and my mate, Adam, is the werewolf who leads the Columbia Basin Pack, the pack charged with keeping the people who live and work in the Tri-Cities of Washington State safe. It's a hard job, and it doesn't leave much room for side quests. Which is why when I needed to travel to Montana to help my brother, I intended to go by myself. But I'm not alone anymore.

Together, Adam and I find ourselves trapped with strangers in a lodge in the heart of the wilderness, in the teeth of a storm of legendary power, only to discover my brother's issues are a tiny part of a problem much bigger than we could have imagined. Arcane and ancient magics are at work that could, unless we are very careful, bring about the end of the world . . .

Two can Play by Ali Hazelwood

 

Narrated by:  Kelsey Navarro Foster

Release date: 10-01-24

Length: 4 hrs and 24 mins

Publisher: Spotify Audiobooks

Categories: Romance

From: Storytel.fi

I only chose this cos it was short and should go by fast, but yeah not fast enough. It was kind of boring and emotionless.

Two companies are sent to a retreat. Viola and Jesse has been crushing on each other. Finally a move is made. I did not really felt anything to be honest. They got together, good for them. But something was always lacking.

So maybe not the novella I would recommend.

The narrator ...well I do not even remember her anymore. So maybe everything was the problem

Viola Bowen has the chance of a lifetime: to design a video game based on her all-time favorite book series. The only problem? Her co-lead is Jesse F-ing Andrews, a.k.a. her arch-nemesis. Jesse has made it abundantly clear over the years that he wants nothing to do with her–and Viola has no idea why.

When their bosses insist a wintery retreat is the perfect team-building exercise, Viola can’t think of anything worse. Being freezing cold in a remote mountain lodge knowing Jesse is right next door? No, thank you.

But as the snow piles on, Viola discovers there’s more to Jesse than she knew, and heat builds in more ways than one.

TMST

 

 

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12/10/2024 What are your favorite books/audiobooks that you read in 2024? 

I will make a longer list and post it when the time comes. I have hope that I will still read something AMAZING before the year ends. There is always hope!

But this book was amazing!

12/17/2024 Do you enjoy reading holiday-themed books at the holidays or year-round?

12/24/2024 Taking a break (no question)

12/31/2024 How do you celebrate New Year's Eve/the new year?

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.

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Carole´s Review: A very Beechwood Christmas

Author: Danielle Garrett
Narrator: Amanda Ronconi

Title: A Very Beechwood Christmas 

(Beechwood Harbor Magic Mystery)

Genre: Cozy mystery, Paranormal, Fantasy, Romance, novella
Pages: Audiobook
Published: December 21, 2019
Where I Got It: My shelf (Audible)

Summary: 

Christmas is coming to Beechwood Harbor, but will the manor residents be ready for his magical visit? With mischief and mystery at every turn, Holly and friends have to rally to save Christmas before it's too late!

A Very Beechwood Christmas includes four mini mysteries set around a wild and magical Christmas when the real Santa Claus comes to town!

Review: 

Stumbled upon this while looking for some short stories for Xmas season.

The story follows these friends who have to work together to save Christmas after the real Santa turns up missing. We follow Holly, Nick, Scarlett, and Flapjack the ghost cat. It is up to them to solve the mysteries and save Christmas!

This is a collection of short holiday novellas that features characters from the author's other series. These "shorts" all tie into each other to make one bigger story. Honestly it was like five parts just shared in different POVs. It was different and unique. 

I haven't read any of these series by this author. Honestly...I only read one book by this author last year. I should read more. I enjoyed that one and I enjoyed this one. This did well as a standalone, but I'm sure I would appreciate it more if I understood these character's backstories a touch more. 

The mini mysteries were great and I loved the overall mystery. Everything tied into each other and it was well done. The solutions were a little easy, but still enjoyable at the end of it. 

The narrator is a gem. I could listen to her all day. Honestly.....she may be one of my favorite female narrators. She simply brings every story alive. 

All-in-all, I did find myself enjoying this collection. I loved how it was all connected and I got to meet a lot of different characters. I'm now curious about reading more and learning about these guys. 4 stars from me. 

ONE WORD SUMMARY: Enjoyable

Challenge(s):

- Audiobook #54

- Cloak & dagger #23