Thursday, 13 February 2025

Audio: Marked in Flesh by Anne Bishop


Release date: 03-08-16


Length: 15 hrs and 21 mins


Publisher: Penguin Audio


A Novel of the Others, Book 4


By: Anne Bishop


Narrated by: Alexandra Harris


UF/Fantasy/own





I can´t remember how I felt the first time around, now I know there is a Bennett book, but how did I feel that so much about this one was set around the town of Bennett? Of course this is the part that guts you.




The book that breaks your heart. Every single time even though I know. I was all, maybe they will live. Maybe everyone will be ok. But everything will  not be ok, the Others are angry at stupid humans who destroy and kill and decides that maybe it is time for extinction. And I agree. Stupid humans.




Amazing narration. Amazing story. 4th time listening. Not the last time that is for sure.




Since the Others allied themselves with the cassandra sangue, the fragile yet powerful human blood prophets who were being exploited by their own kind, the delicate dynamic between humans and Others changed. Some, like Simon Wolfgard, wolf shifter and leader of the Lakeside Courtyard, and blood prophet Meg Corbyn see the new closer companionship as beneficial - both personally and practically.But not everyone is convinced. A group of radical humans is seeking to usurp land through a series of violent attacks on the Others. What they don't realize is that there are older and more dangerous forces than shifters and vampires protecting the land that belongs to the Others - and those forces are willing to do whatever is necessary to protect what is theirs....


Tuesday, 11 February 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.





2/11/2025 Share your romance (HEA/HFN) recommendations.


Anything by Tessa Dare :D 



Some PNR by Nalini Singh always gives the feels, and she has great contemporary romance too.







2/18/2025 Do you like to cook or bake? What is your favorite thing to make?


2/25/2025 Which books are you looking forward to reading this Spring? (Mar-May)






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




If you are interested in participating in TMST or receiving periodic emails that list the upcoming TMST topics and questions,  please fill out this GOOGLE FORM.  Participation is optional and never required.




Monday, 10 February 2025

Carole´s Monday: The widow of Pale harbor



Author: Hester Fox
Title: The Widow of Pale Harbor
Genre: Historical Fiction, Mystery, Thriller, Romance
Format: Paperback
Pages: 352
Published:  September 17, 2019
Where I got It: My shelf (Gift)

Summary: 
Maine, 1846. Gabriel Stone is desperate to escape the ghosts that haunt him in Massachusetts after his wife's death, so he moves to Pale Harbor, Maine, where there is a vacancy for a new minister. Gideon and his late wife had always dreamed of building their own church, and Pale Harbor is the perfect opportunity.

But not all is as it seems in the sleepy town of Pale Harbor. Strange, unsettling things have been happening, and the townspeople know that only one person can be responsible: Sophronia Carver, a widow who lives with a spinster maid in the decaying Castle Carver on the edge of town. Sophronia is a recluse, rumored to be a witch who killed her husband.

When Gabriel meets her, he knows the charming, beautiful woman cannot be guilty of anything. Together, Gabriel and Sophronia realize that the mysterious events have one thing in common: they all contain an element from the wildly popular stories of Mr. Edgar Allan Poe. And when the events escalate to murder, Gabriel and Sophronia must find the real killer, before it's too late for them both.


Review:
This was given to me as a gift and I've been sitting on this for a moment, but I finally brought it out.

Gabriel is desperate to start a new life after the death of his wife. He moves to the sleepy town of Pale Harbor, but nothing is as it seems. There has been strange and unsettling things happening and the townspeople are starting to blame Sophronia Carver. She is a widow who lives with a spinster maid on the edge of town. She has become a recluse after the death of her husband, but everyone thinks she killed him and is a witch. Gabriel meets her and realizes she couldn't do what everyone is accusing her of. Will Gabriel and Sophronia discover who the real killer is before it is too late?

I really loved the intertwining of Edgar Allan Poe's works. The mysterious events all have some element from the popular stories. That was a lot of fun. A nice edition to this mystery!

Which! I had my suspects, but I wasn't sure about whodunit and why. The ending was fantastic! Lots of red herrings and lots of suspicious people. Lots of finger pointing too. Poor Sophy.

Now.....I do have a complaint (which seems silly coming from a Romance-lover), but the romance element was overdone. It seemed to dominate the story sometimes. A splash too much for my liking when reading a mystery. I figured there would be some. Two lonely widows...alone in the world...of course. However, it took over the plot sometimes and I would forget I was reading a mystery/thriller for a moment.

Other than that, I did enjoy the story. The mystery was top notch and the extra little elements was a nice touch. I would suggest this for Historical mystery lovers. Just note there is a lot of romance about. 3 stars overall from me. 


- Favorite Character(s): Sophy and Tom
- Least Favorite Character(s): Helen




 
Challenge(s):
- Cloak & Dagger #1

Thursday, 6 February 2025

Audio: Vision in Silver by Anne Bishop


Series: Book 3, The Others (Bishop)


Narrated by: Alexandra Harris


Release date: 03-03-15


Length: 16 hrs and 4 mins


Publisher: Penguin Audio


Categories: Literature & Fiction


Own




This is my third time listening. My 4th time all in all. My detailed review is far back in years.




This series is amazing. The danger is so close now. The Others are starting to think that maybe they should just wipe out the human race. And hey, they have a point. Wipe them all out! Humans are the worst.




And as always, this is a series you have to do in audio! The narrator is fantastic and it is so much better.






The Others freed the  cassandra sangue  to protect the blood prophets from exploitation, not realizing their actions would have dire consequences. Now the fragile seers are in greater danger than ever before—both from their own weaknesses and from those who seek to control their divinations for wicked purposes. In desperate need of answers, Simon Wolfgard, a shape-shifter leader among the Others, has no choice but to enlist blood prophet Meg Corbyn’s help, regardless of the risks she faces by aiding him.




Meg is still deep in the throes of her addiction to the euphoria she feels when she cuts and speaks prophecy. She knows each slice of her blade tempts death. But Others and humans alike need answers, and her visions may be Simon’s only hope of ending the conflict.




For the shadows of war are deepening across the Atlantik, and the prejudice of a fanatic faction is threatening to bring the battle right to Meg and Simon’s doorstep…


Tuesday, 4 February 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.





2/4/2025 What is your least favorite thing about winter?



Ha, I complained all last week but srsly. Our main road was downgraded so the maintenance sucks. 7 km of shitty roads in winter. Ice and more if you are unlucky. I hate driving in winter. It could work if the temps would stay the same, but hello climate change. January was a fickle B. 




I am not gonna complain about the cold, that happens. Last year it was -30c in January. Now we had a day when it was 8c instead. There is no bad weather only bad clothes....




Worst thing about winter is driving in it. 







2/11/2025 Share your romance (HEA/HFN) recommendations.


2/18/2025 Do you like to cook or bake? What is your favorite thing to make?


2/25/2025 Which books are you looking forward to reading this Spring? (Mar-May)






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




If you are interested in participating in TMST or receiving periodic emails that list the upcoming TMST topics and questions,  please fill out this GOOGLE FORM.  Participation is optional and never required.




Monday, 3 February 2025

Carole´s Monday. Once upon a Winter´s Eve


Author: Tessa Dare
Title: Once Upon a Winter's Eve
Series: Spindle Cove #1.5
Genre: Historical Romance, Novella
Format: ebook
Published:  November 15, 2011
Where I got It: My shelf (Amazon)

Summary: 
Some wallflowers bloom at night...

A Spindle Cove Novella

Violet Winterbottom is a quiet girl. She speaks six languages, but seldom raises her voice. She endured bitter heartbreak in perfect silence. The gentlemen aren't beating down her door.

Until the night of the Spindle Cove Christmas ball, when a mysterious stranger crashes into the ballroom and collapses at Violet's feet. His coarse attire and near-criminal good looks would put any sensible young lady on her guard. He's wet, chilled, bleeding, and speaking in an unfamiliar tongue.

Only Violet understands him. And she knows he's not what he seems.

She has one night to draw forth the secrets of this dangerously handsome rogue. Is he a smuggler? A fugitive? An enemy spy? She needs answers by sunrise, but her captive would rather seduce than confess. To learn his secrets, Violet must reveal hers—and open herself to adventure, passion, and the unthinkable... Love.

Warning: The heroine packs a pistol, the hero curses in multiple languages, and together they steam up a cold winter’s night.


Review:
This was free on Amazon so I grabbed it! Last time I read this was last year and I had borrowed it from the library. I enjoyed this one so much last time and I'm a book goblin so I wanted it for my shelf. 

Violet had a terrible heartbreak and she is licking her wounds at the Spindle Cove. She is enjoying her quiet life until a mysterious stranger crashes into the ballroom and collapses at her feet. She is the only who speaks his language so she is recruited to get info out of him. He isn't what he seems and she will get the answers out of him one way or another. 

Weeeee love Dare! And I really have been enjoying this series. I think I only have a book or two left and I'm sad to say goodbye to the Spindle Cove!

Love Violet. She deserves all the happiness in the world. She is too sweet for her own good. 

I hope to see more of this couple, but I doubt it. I would love to see more of their love flourish. 

All-in-all, I still adored this little short. I'll keep my original rating of 5 stars. 



- Favorite Character(s): Violet
- Least Favorite Character(s): no one


 


Sunday, 2 February 2025

Best of January

 

Here are our bests from January!!!! That first month flew by!


Best Book of the Month:

"Very fairytale like."









"So many goodies this month BUT the narrator really pushed this to the top. Great and tragic and a voice that will bring this story to life."




Best Movie of the Month:

Carole - Nadda. No movies...just TV and books. 







Blodeuedd - Back in Action (2025)
"I watched Back In Action. Pretty funny and action-filled."








Best TV show of the Month:


Blodeuedd - Maxima
"I watched the tv series Maxima. A lot of drama!"




"One season left to finish. I'm addicted!!! Why did I ever wait so long to watch this?"







Best Cover of the Month:

Carole's pick.


Blodeuedd's Pick.





Honorable Mention:

"I re-read Written in Red and A murder of Crows. They were obvi the best books this month, but it is too cruel to other books to choose them every time!"















"Re-read this gem. It has been yeaaaarrrrs! Still holds up and is my favorites of William Shakespeare!"




Wednesday, 29 January 2025

Audio: Wilde Abandon by Jennifer Ryan


A Dark Horse Dive Bar Novel

By: Jennifer Ryan


Narrated by: Dani California


Length: 12 hrs and 35 mins


Release date: 01-28-25


Publisher: Tantor Media


Romantic suspense


To review





I like Ryan´s books because of the suspense and here, oh my, I want to hit someone so badly. I mean *deep breath*, horrid horrid human being.




Fox had a shitty childhood and was sent to fostercare. He is a better person than I would be cos he comes home when his shitty mother has cancer to see to that she has everything. He does want an apology too, but his mother is one of the shitty people in this book.




Melody was his best friend growing up and he is also back cos he wants her badly. He has made a good life for himself and now he needs his woman.




These two are meant to be. They get hot and heavy, a lot. But what is life without drama. First there is his horrible mother, then there is this really crazy woman who wants to date him. She is the one I just want to hit. The things she does, if that was a man he would be in jail. Oh and the secret that he is keeping from her that also keeps the suspense going. It is a nice secret, but .....suspense.




Good suspense, lots of romance.




Good narration. She kept me listening and feelings lots of emotions if you missed that.




Broken and betrayed, Fox Bridges escaped Blackrock Falls sixteen years ago, vowing never to return. But when his mom is diagnosed with terminal cancer, there's no escaping it. Making the best of a bad situation, he goes back to face his past and set up a program to help foster kids who age out of the system like him. But more importantly—to reunite with the best friend he had to leave behind.Melody Wilde never got over the loss of her childhood best friend. She saved his life . . . but it cost her Fox. He left town and never looked back, hating her for revealing his secret.So when Fox walks back into town—right through the front door of her bar—she realizes he's the man she's been falling for online. He could be her chance at forever.But Fox has secrets, and there are those who will do anything to bring him down. They'll exploit any weakness. And he's just given them the biggest one yet—Melody.




Tuesday, 28 January 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.





1/28/2025 What is your favorite thing about winter?



Well, this winter sucks. It is cold and snows, next week it rains and everything is ice and it goes on and on. Yes this winter has sucked.





But when it is good, long walks, taking pretty photos. Going skiing.














2/4/2025 What is your least favorite thing about winter?


2/11/2025 Share your romance (HEA/HFN) recommendations.


2/18/2025 Do you like to cook or bake? What is your favorite thing to make?


2/25/2025 Which books are you looking forward to reading this Spring? (Mar-May)






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




If you are interested in participating in TMST or receiving periodic emails that list the upcoming TMST topics and questions,  please fill out this GOOGLE FORM.  Participation is optional and never required.




Monday, 27 January 2025

Caroles Monday: Othello

 



Author: William Shakespeare
Title: Othello
Genre: Classic, Tragedy, Fiction, Play
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 319
Published: 1603
Where I Got It: My shelf (my big bad book of William Shakespeare collection)

Summary: 
In Othello, Shakespeare creates a powerful drama of a marriage that begins with fascination (between the exotic Moor Othello and the Venetian lady Desdemona), with elopement, and with intense mutual devotion and that ends precipitately with jealous rage and violent deaths. He sets this story in the romantic world of the Mediterranean, moving the action from Venice to the island of Cyprus and giving it an even more exotic coloring with stories of Othello's African past. Shakespeare builds so many differences into his hero and heroine—differences of race, of age, of cultural background—that one should not, perhaps, be surprised that the marriage ends disastrously. But most people who see or read the play feel that the love that the play presents between Othello and Desdemona is so strong that it would have overcome all these differences were it not for the words and actions of Othello's standard-bearer, Iago, who hates Othello and sets out to destroy him by destroying his love for Desdemona. As Othello succumbs to Iago's insinuations that Desdemona is unfaithful, fascination—which dominates the early acts of the play—turns to horror, especially for the audience. We are confronted by spectacles of a generous and trusting Othello in the grip of Iago's schemes; of an innocent Desdemona, who has given herself up entirely to her love for Othello only to be subjected to his horrifying verbal and physical assaults, the outcome of Othello's mistaken convictions about her faithlessness.


Review:
Weeeeeeeee! This is one of my favorite plays by good ol' Willy. It's been an age since I read this so it was nice revisiting it. Last time I read this was 2009. But yes, it's been years!

The play follows a diverse set of characters in Venice. Othello and Lady Desdemona elope, Othello gets his dream job, and everything seems perfect. However, Iago is set on destroying everything in Othello's life out of spite and revenge. 

This is a true tragedy and it gets me every time. The characters and the story are flawless in my opinion. I truly think that this is William Shakey's best work. The drama is perfect for the stage. It's over-the-top in spots but it is a lovely nod to Italian plays that are known for being slightly melodramatic. 

And Iago.........he is the perfect villain. I hate him, but I love hating him. He is my favorite villain still to this day. He is a terrible, hateful man, but is he evil? Eh. He truly believes that he is doing the world a favor for destroying Othello. He doesn't do these evil things just for the sake of being bad. He thinks that he is doing everyone a favor, mainly himself. But he is so clever and calculating. Honestly, if he used his skills for ACTUAL good, then he would unstoppable in the world. He is just so blinded by his jealousy and hate, but he doesn't let this fully control him. He is able to trick everyone so wonderfully. *chef kiss* 

Othello and Desdemona. *sighs* You just want them to be happy. They are soooo in love and seem so perfect for each other. However......there is a shadow upon their love. Between society, Othello's insecurities, and Iago in the shadows....they are doomed.

What I love the most (if you've read past reviews you will be able to guess what I'm about to say here) is that everyone is flawed. They are complex and oh-so human. You have no idea what will happen. Othello seems so strong and confident, but he is still insecure and petty. Desdemona and Cassio are both so sweet, but so naive. Iago seems like he could be a great guy if hate didn't blind him. All the characters hide behind theirs masks so well (which ties nicely into the Venetian setting). And society's and time period's failings will take all these flaws and brew something tragic for our characters. 

I could go on and on about how much I love this play by William S!!!! I still need to see this live. I've seen the movie, but never a live rendition of this play. Bucket list!!!! Also, I need to do an audio of this story one day.

But yes, this is (so far) my absolute favorite of William Shakespeare's stuff. I still have a bunch to read but it will be hard to topple this from the top. 

The characters....the setting....the lies....the flaws.....the tragedy. A must-read/see/hear...anyway you can get your hands on it. 

5 stars for sure. 

- Favorite Character(s): Desdemona (bc she is so sweet), Cassio, & Othello
- Least Favorite Character(s): Iago (BUT I love to hate him. Little villain)






Saturday, 25 January 2025

Re-listen: Murder of Crows

 

By: Anne Bishop


Narrated by: Alexandra Harris


Series: The Others (Bishop), Book 2


Length: 14 hrs and 13 mins


Release date: 03-04-14


Fantasy




I LOVE it. Still as good the third time listening to it. I could not put it down. Fantastic narration






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




The appearance of two addictive drugs has sparked violence between the humans and the Others, resulting in the murder of both species in nearby cities. So when Meg has a dream about blood and black feathers in the snow, Simon Wolfgard - Lakeside’s shape-shifting leader - wonders if their blood prophet dreamed of a past attack or a future threat.




As the urge to speak prophecies strikes Meg more frequently, trouble finds its way inside the Courtyard. Now, the Others and the handful of humans residing there must work together to stop the man bent on reclaiming their blood prophet - and stop the danger that threatens to destroy them all.



Thursday, 23 January 2025

Big Swiss by Jen Beagin


323 pages, Paperback


Published: December 7, 2023 by Faber & Faber


Lit Fic/ Library loan






So this was one of those books that was good without me knowing why. I felt at first like why am I even reading this, but at the same time I could not stop. I needed to continue. The writing is so good, the story is so strange.





Greta is a transcriber. She has fallen in love with a female voice, and then she meets the voice. Lies begin and an intense affair. All told is this strange dark humorous way.





I do not really want to say more because the book just needs to be read and felt. It might not be the book for everyone, but sometimes I just need a weird story. And it was a great one






Big Swiss. That's Greta's nickname for her - she is tall, and she is from Switzerland. Greta can see her now: dressed top to toe in white, that adorable gap between her two front teeth, her penetrating blue eyes. She's a head-turner: including the heads of infants and dogs.




Well that's how Greta imagines seeing her; they haven't actually ever met in person. Nor has Greta actually ever been to Switzerland.




Greta and Big Swiss are not in the same room, or even the same building. Greta is miles away, sitting at a desk in her own house, wearing only headphones, fingerless gloves, a kimono, and legwarmers, transcribing this disembodied voice.




What Greta doesn't know is that she's about to bump into Big Swiss in the local dog park. A new - and not entirely honest - relationship is going to be born.




A relationship that will transform both of their lives. . .


Tuesday, 21 January 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.





1/21/2025 Which book/TV/movie character would you like to be friends with?






This is hard. Right now I am all no idea. I mean Julius Heartstriker seems like a really good funny guy who would have your back. I am thinking of UF women but they are all so kick-ass so they would leave me in the dust. But Mercy Thompson does love to bake cookies, but damn she gets in trouble so much so it would be scary to be friends.





I am sure there are many out there, but I am bad at thinking on the spot....








1/28/2025 What is your favorite thing about winter?


2/4/2025 What is your least favorite thing about winter?


2/11/2025 Share your romance (HEA/HFN) recommendations.


2/18/2025 Do you like to cook or bake? What is your favorite thing to make?

2/25/2025 Which books are you looking forward to reading this Spring? (Mar-May)






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




If you are interested in participating in TMST or receiving periodic emails that list the upcoming TMST topics and questions,  please fill out this GOOGLE FORM.  Participation is optional and never required.




Monday, 20 January 2025

Carole´s Monday: Any Duchess Will do


Author: Tessa Dare
Title: Any Duchess Will Do
Series: Spindle Cove #4
Genre: Historical Romance
Format: ebook
Pages: 389
Published: May 28, 2013
Where I Got It: My shelf (Amazon)

Summary: 
What's a duke to do, when the girl who's perfectly wrong becomes the woman he can't live without?

Griffin York, the Duke of Halford, has no desire to wed this season--or any season--but his diabolical mother abducts him to "Spinster Cove" and insists he select a bride from the ladies in residence. Griff decides to teach her a lesson that will end the marriage debate forever. He chooses the serving girl.

Overworked and struggling, Pauline Simms doesn't dream about dukes. All she wants is to hang up her barmaid apron and open a bookshop. That dream becomes a possibility when an arrogant, sinfully attractive duke offers her a small fortune for a week's employment. Her duties are simple: submit to his mother's "duchess training"... and fail miserably.

But in London, Pauline isn't a miserable failure. She's a brave, quick-witted, beguiling failure--a woman who ignites Griff's desire and soothes the darkness in his soul. Keeping Pauline by his side won't be easy. Even if Society could accept a serving girl duchess--can a roguish duke convince a serving girl to trust him with her heart?


Review:
Why are Dare books so much fun???

Back at Spindle Cove! Griff, a duke, as zero desire to marry. None. Zip. But his mom has other plans and she abducts him and takes him to Spindle Cove and insists he select a bride...any bride. In order to teach her a lesson, he selects the serving girl. That girl is Pauline who is overworked and struggling. She has a dream to open a bookshop and that dream becomes a possibility when the duke offers her a small fortune for a week's employment. Her job? Do the duchess training and fail. Embarrass herself. However, she proves to be anything but a miserable failure. She's everything Griff has ever wanted. 

Alongside the serious tones and steamy scenes....Dare adds a nice helping of humor. I was certainly creased!!! Hilarious. 

Pauline is a gem and Griff was fun. I had zero remembrance of him from a past book until his friend's wife reminded us. I was not a fan of him then (super duper gross Rake), but we weren't supposed to like him then. He's mended his ways and wants to live right. Love a good redemption arch! 

But yes, they were perfect for each other and I adored their interactions. 

I really had no idea what was going to happen. Yes, I knew they would find love and be happy (it is a romance after all), but I really had no idea how things would get fixed. There are a LOT of hurdles for them.

The side story of Griff's friend, Delacre, who's goal was to "keep Griff unmarried" because they made a pact at 19 was annoying. Go away. I get protecting him because he is a friend and you love him, but because of a PACT to sabotage at ALL costs? Ew. Not a fan of that whole thing. 

All-in-all, this was amusing. I enjoyed our couple. Lots of hurdles but it was worth it. This had a lot of steam when it finally happened, funny moments, and an adorable couple. I wasn't amused of the whole "Pact" thing, but I guess we needed a baddie of sorts? I'll give this 4 stars at the end of the day. 

  




- Favorite Character(s): Griff, Pauline, & oddly enough...the Dowager Duchess
- Least Favorite Character(s): Mr Simms (F him) and Delacre




Sunday, 19 January 2025

Re-listen: Written in red

By: Anne Bishop


Narrated by: Alexandra Harris


Series: The Others (Bishop), Book 1


Length: 18 hrs and 33 mins


Release date: 03-05-13


Urban fantasy / own





Third time listening and honestly how does she do it??! I am as addicted as ever. I am sitting on needles wondering how it will turn out, even though this is the 4th time with this story. I could not put it down.





Conclusion. I LOVE IT. Oh and you must listen to it, you really must go the audio way, that is the way.





Most amazing series!!





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




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


Thursday, 16 January 2025

Audio: A sorceress comes to call by T. Kingfisher

By: T. Kingfisher


Narrated by: Eliza Foss, Jennifer Pickens


Length: 11 hrs and 8 mins


Release date: 08-06-24


Publisher: Macmillan Audio


Categories: Fantasy 


Own





Now why didn´t I write this at once?! When I had all those feelings right. But I will try and do it justice.




It says this is a dark re-telling of the goose girl...yeah I do not remember that one at the moment. Is that the princess one? Never mind




Cordelia lives with her mother and atmosphere is dark. Then her mother goes away and comes back telling her that she has found a man. Also telling the 14 year old that she should get married too and lie about her age. Not the best kind of mother.




And it gets darker. What kind of magic is her mother doing? She has the guy wrapped around her finger, his twin sister does not like her and Cordelia is a little rabbit being pulled too hard.




How can this all be saved? How can everyone have some sort of HEAs? In fairytales good always wins.




I am just not doing it justice. It is a great tale. It gets a bit dark, but not like scary dark, just the feeling of darkness closing in and how it will all end? 




The narration is superb too and the voices are so good for everyone. They really gets it right. And the whole feeling of the book.






 Cordelia knows her mother is unusual. Their house doesn’t have any doors between rooms, and her mother doesn't allow Cordelia to have a single friend—unless you count Falada, her mother's beautiful white horse. The only time Cordelia feels truly free is on her daily rides with him. But more than simple eccentricity sets her mother apart. Other mothers don’t force their daughters to be silent and motionless for hours, sometimes days, on end. Other mothers aren’t sorcerers.




After a suspicious death in their small town, Cordelia’s mother insists they leave in the middle of the night, riding away on Falada’s sturdy back, leaving behind all Cordelia has ever known. They arrive at the remote country manor of a wealthy older man, the Squire, and his unwed sister, Hester. Cordelia’s mother intends to lure the Squire into marriage, and Cordelia knows this can only be bad news for the bumbling gentleman and his kind, intelligent sister.




Hester sees the way Cordelia shrinks away from her mother, how the young girl sits eerily still at dinner every night. Hester knows that to save her brother from bewitchment and to rescue the terrified Cordelia, she will have to face down a wicked witch of the worst kind.




Tuesday, 14 January 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.






1/14/2025 What book have you most recently re-read? Did your opinion of the book change?




I really do not want to talk about my re-read of Dune in  December, omg so dry. What on earth was I thinking when I was 18 and loved it?!?!




So instead I will talk about Written in Red by Anne Bishop. I am already half way through my re-listen. Third time. I am as enthralled as the first time listening. I can not stop. I need to know what happens next!! Yes third time listening ;)






1/21/2025 Which book/TV/movie character would you like to be friends with?


1/28/2025 What is your favorite thing about winter?


2/4/2025 What is your least favorite thing about winter?


2/11/2025 Share your romance (HEA/HFN) recommendations.


2/18/2025 Do you like to cook or bake? What is your favorite thing to make?

2/25/2025 Which books are you looking forward to reading this Spring? (Mar-May)






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




If you are interested in participating in TMST or receiving periodic emails that list the upcoming TMST topics and questions,  please fill out this GOOGLE FORM.  Participation is optional and never required.




About Me

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I am young Finnish woman lost in a world of books.

Publishers/authors: I am open for reviewing books so please contact me if you want your book reviewed.

Look at my review policy for more info
I review from most genres on this blog, and those genres are: fantasy,chick-lit, paranormal romance, urban fantasy, YA, historical/+romance, contemporary romance and literary fiction. + some other genres read by my guest reviewers.

Disclaimer: Books reviewed on this site are my own, if not stated otherwise. Then they were sent for free by the author, publicist or a publisher. I do not get any compensation for my reviews. I do this all for fun. google-site-verification: googlec45f9c3acb51f8cd.html
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