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

 

 

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.

12/10/2024 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.

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 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

The accidental countess by Emma Hart

Series: Book 3, Aristocrat Diaries

Release date: 06-30-22

Length: 9 hrs and 8 mins

Publisher: Dreamscape Media, LLC

Categories: Romance

From: Storytel.fi

I jumped at an audiobooksite promo again. It seems last time I was there I was reading this author so I followed it up with book 3.

Evangeline and Matthew has a no strings deal going on. Until he proposes cos he is the Earl and needs an heir. Ok but like Matthew just find a woman you like and marry her. Instead they enter this deal how she will marry him, give him and heir and then later they will divorce cos neither believes in marriage. LOL, oh you guys crack me up. Like that will work. I mean they already have hot smex.

So their fake marriage starts and obvi they will start to have real feelings because being married is kind of nice. Life on the island is nice. Everything is actually working out well.

It was a nice story. They already liked each other so love was not far away.

Good narration. Two people narrating and it worked well. He did his part and she did hers.  We get both their views better this way

My name is Evangeline Astley, and the only thing you need to know about me is that I never imagined this was how my life would go. I was supposed to devote all my time to painting gorgeous things to eventually open my own art gallery. Instead, I spent it all trying to sell my art to save my parents’ hotel.Cue the Earl of Anglesey and his not-so-stunning idea. Matthew Bennett needs an heir to the earldom, but for an heir, he needs a wife. And I’m the one the extremely eligible bachelor has chosen. Except I’m just as marriage-phobic as he is, so naturally, I refused—until he gives me an offer that I couldn’t resist. If I agreed to marry him, provide an heir, and divorce him amicably in due course, he would save The Fox and Hound hotel that I love so much. That, ladies and gents, is how I became the Countess of Anglesey. The one thing I didn’t count on? Falling in love with my husband.

Best of November

 

Here are our bests from November!!!! 

Best Book of the Month:

Blodeuedd - This Fallen Prey by Kelley Armstrong

"Such a great series."

Carole - The Answer is No by Fredrik Backman

"This was chaos but great!"

Best Movie of the Month:

Carole - Crazy Rich Asians (2018)

"Didn't watch anything new that I can even remember. But I rewatched this gem TWICE. So yes. It is the best."

Blodeuedd - Inside Out 2 (2024)

"I watched this one when kiddo was sick and demanded Disney+."

Best TV show of the Month:

Blodeuedd - The Lincoln Lawyer, Will Trent, Heartstopper, & Our Flag Means Death

"I had a lot of series to finish!! Been busy."

Carole - Catching Killers & Fallout

"Gah. Both were so good for COMPLETELY different reason."

Best Cover of the Month:

B's pick

C's pick

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.

12/3/2024 What is your favorite breakfast food?

Favorite and favorite, I like a good porridge. I am very Nordic. I have been trying overnight oats now since that goes faster. But I want it simple, healthy and lasting.

When we visited the capital in October we had more like an early brunch, and sure it was delish to just dive into everything. But for every day, just porridge.

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

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.

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: Poirot Investigates

Author: Agatha Christie

Narrator: Richard Armitage

Title: Poirot Investigates

Series: Hercule Poirot #3

Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Classic, Short stories, Anthology

Format: Audiobook

Published: March 1, 1924

Where I got It: Audible 

Summary: 

First there was the mystery of the film star and the diamond... then came the “suicide” that was murder... the mystery of the absurdly cheap flat...a suspicious death in a locked gun room... a million dollar bond robbery... the curse of a pharaoh’s tomb... a jewel robbery by the sea... the abduction of a prime minister... the disappearance of a banker... a phone call from a dying man... and, finally, the mystery of the missing will.

What links these fascinating cases? Only the brilliant deductive powers of Hercule Poirot!

Review: 

This is a collection of mini mysteries that Poirot takes on. I remember reading a couple of these years and years ago, but it'll be fun to re-read those and to read some of the others!

We'll divide and conquer these. 

1) The Adventure of 'The Western Star'

I had read this little one years ago. So I remembered, slightly, what happened. The mystery was slightly obvious, but it is good. I think I liked this more than when I first read it. 4 stars. 

2) The Tragedy of Marsdon Manor

The ending and resolution of this one was clever!!!! Loved it. Such a nice mystery and it feels that Poirot is coming into his own. This should be made into a movie (or at least a part of the movie). 5 stars. 

3) The Adventure of the Cheap Flat

Eh. I feel like this was the weakest of them all. It was still intriguing in its own way, but meh. I found my attention drifting during this one. What even happened at the end? I can't remember.....*googles* oh, yes. Okay. 2 stars. 

4) The Mystery of Hunter's Lodge

Shoot. I didn't right down my thoughts about this (or type it up). Mmmm. Forgettable I guess. I don't remember a thing. Shouldn't I remember SOMETHING even though I didn't write any notes?1 star

5) The Million Dollar Bond Robbery

Oooooo Hercule. So clever. So NOT humble. I love it. This was a fun one. The ending and solution was a little on the nose. 4 stars

6) The Adventure of the Egyptian Tomb

I think this is one of my favorites of the whole collection. Cool location, neat crime, great solution....5 stars yes

7) The Jewel Robbery at the Grand Metropolitan

A cute gem! I liked this one a lot. 5 stars as well. 

8) The Kidnapped Prime Minister

Eh. This started of great but the solution was meh. Sort of anti-climatic. And honestly? Predictable in one way. It was still enjoyable for the majority of the time.  3 stars

9) The Disappearance of Mr. Davenheim

Oh!!!! I remember this one! I struggled a little bit back then but I liked this one much more now. 4 stars. 

10) The Adventure of the Italian Nobleman

This was okay. I just wish it was longer. The solution seemed easily resolved. 3 stars

11) The Case of the Missing Will

Fun. I enjoyed this one. A nice conclusion. 4 stars. 

12) The Veiled Lady

Mmmmmm. I barely remember this one and I was just listening to it. 2 stars

13) The Lost Mine

Another just okay one. I think it needed more time to marinate. 3 stars 

14) The Chocolate Box

Awwww I liked this one. It was a nice ending to this collection. It went back to when our boy was a...well....boy. He was young and just getting into being a detective. The ending was great. 5 stars. 

Overall/Narrator

This was overall a lot of fun. The narrator is fantastic of course. Some greats...some misses. Overall it was totally worth it if you like Hercule and his mysteries. 

*does complicated math* I'll give this 3 stars. 

ONE WORD SUMMARY: Entertaining

Challenge(s):

- Audiobook #52