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.

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.

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)

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.

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. . .

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

Carole´s Monday: Midnight in Venice

Author: Meadow Taylor

Title: Midnight in Venice

Series: Olivia Moretti #2

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Format: ebook

Pages: 256

Published: August 19, 2014

Where I Got It: My shelf (Amazon)

Summary: 

Readers met and fell in love with Olivia Moretti in Meadow Taylor’s hugely popular holiday story Christmas in Venice, where Olivia is rescued by a gorgeous Italian cop, Alessandro Rossi, during an airport bomb scare. Now, as the new year begins, her joy at having landed her dream job in Venice’s thriving art world is surpassed only by the realization that she and Alessandro are falling in love—and her surprise that he turns out to be not just the son of a tycoon, but a gifted pianist and former racecar driver who is equally at home in the city’s bejewelled palazzos as patrolling its streets. Olivia can’t believe that her life now includes masked balls, exquisite music, romantic trips to Paris—and true love. But all this is put in jeopardy when a business trip to New York City finds her accused of a crime she didn’t commit—and not even Alessandro believes she’s innocent. Can her new love uncover the truth and keep Olivia’s Italian dream from becoming a nightmare?

A thrilling, passion-filled story set among the dazzling palaces, canals, and piazzas of one of the world’s most beautiful cities, Midnight in Venice is perfect for fans of Danielle Steel, Nora Roberts, and lovers of contemporary romance everywhere.

Review:

Read book 1 a while back and have been meaning to get started on this one, but life....yeah. LOL. 

Note - you can for sure read this one without book 1 (aka it was a short story). We get to pretty much re-read book 1 so no harm, no foul. 

We follow Olivia and Alessandro. Olivia has landed the job of her dreams and is starting a brand new life in Venice! There is a bomb scare where is rescued by a hunky Italian cop named Alessandro. They think their story ends there, but they can't get over each other and start spending time with each other. Everything seems to be going amazing and life can't get any better. Until this is all put in jeopardy when a business trip to New York City finds Olivia accused of a crime she didn’t commit. Will they be able to prove her innocence? Will their love be able to stand this?

This was wild....ridiculous....fantastical......crazy....but I enjoyed it. With all the wild and unbelievable scenarios, you can't help but follow along and have fun. Yes, I had fun watching this play out.

I wanna go to Venice now!!!!!!  

Alessandro is literally the perfect man to the point it makes me want to puke. He is smart, hunky, a good cop, ex car driver, and son to a tycoon? WHAT IS HIS LIFE? Luckily at the halfway-ish point he does show some flaws that made me happy. He isn't perfect. YAYY! No one wants a perfect character. 

Olivia is very sweet. Annoying at times, but sweet. You can't help but feel for her. She just wants to live her Venice life!  

I'm honestly shocked there isn't a 3rd book. I feel like we have some side characters that deserve some loveeeee. Or we could follow these two more and I would be fine with that. Olivia has great luck one minute and then it flips to the worst of the worst. I could enjoy another one even if it was a short story. Good lord. The wedding day could be madness. 

All-in-all, this was ridiculous to the point of entertaining. I had fun. I didn't take anything too serious. Fun romance in a beautiful city. I'm just glad our hero wasn't too perfect. I would've been mad. He does have a flaw...or two. 

3 stars from me.

- Favorite Character(s): Olivia

- Least Favorite Character(s): Oh man. I can't remember their name but there was a character that I want to boo forever. That is what I get for waiting a day to type this. 

 Challenge(s):

- TBR Challenge (January, New Year, Who Dis?) #1

- Romance Reading Challenge #3 (Non-US/UK setting)

Alone in the wild by Kelley Armstrong

368 pages, Paperback

Series: Rockton/Casey Duncan (#5)

Published: February 11, 2020 by Doubleday Canada

Crime/thriller/own

Book 5 already! This place just gets worse. But at least here we get to understand why the Hostiles are like they are.

Oh and there are more creeps in the woods. I¨d rather take the bear.

Casey finds a baby in the woods and she and Dalton sets out to find whose baby it is and who killed the mother. And that is why we learn more about these freaks in the woods.

A thrilling chase as always. I had no idea what was going on. Everybody lies. But Casey never backs down

Such good books. Horrid place to be ;)

Every season in Rockton seems to bring a new challenge. At least that's what Detective Casey Duncan has felt since she decided to call this place home. Between all the secretive residents, the sometimes-hostile settlers outside, and the surrounding wilderness, there's always something to worry about.

While on a much needed camping vacation with her boyfriend, Sheriff Eric Dalton, Casey hears a baby crying in the woods. The sound leads them to a tragic scene: a woman buried under the snow, murdered, a baby still alive in her arms.

A town that doesn’t let anyone in under the age of eighteen, Rockton must take care of its youngest resident yet while solving another murder and finding out where the baby came from - and whether she's better off where she is.

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.

1/7/2025 What are your blogging/reading goals for the new year?

Well, I put my GR goal to 70, but hey if I feel I can not make it or smth I lower it. No sweat. I also put 50 audio, and this year was tough so we will see. But if not then eh.

My goal is to read (MORE) and enjoy. And stop scrolling on my phone, but that is so hard.

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

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.

Carole´s Review: The pretender

Author: Jo Harkin

Title: The Pretender

Genre: Historical Fiction

Format: ebook

Pages: 496

Expected publication April 22, 2025

Where I Got It: Netgalley for my honest and unbiased opinion

Summary: 

A sweeping historical novel in the vein of Hilary Mantel and Maggie O’Farrell set during the time of the Tudors’ ascent. The Pretender tells the story of Lambert Simnel, who was raised in obscurity as a peasant boy to protect his safety, believed to be the heir to the throne occupied by Richard III, and briefly crowned, at the age of ten, as King Edward the Sixth, one of the last of the Plantagenets.

In 1480 John Collan’s greatest anxiety is how to circumvent the village’s devil goat on the way to collect water. But the arrival of a well-dressed stranger from London upends his life forever: John is not John Collan, not the son of Will Collan, but the son of the long-deceased Duke of Clarence, hidden in the countryside after a brotherly rift over the crown, and because Richard III has a habit of disappearing his nephews. Removed from his humble origins, sent to Oxford to be educated in a manner befitting the throne’s rightful heir, John is put into play by his masters, learning the rules of etiquette in Burgundy and the machinations of the court in Ireland, where he encounters the intractable Joan, the delightfully strong-willed and manipulative daughter of his Irish patrons, a girl imbued with both extraordinary political savvy and occasional murderous tendencies. Joan has two paths available her—marry, or become a nun. Lambert’s choices are similarly stark: he will either become King, or die in battle. Together they form an alliance that will change the fate of the English monarchy.

Inspired by a footnote to history—the true story of the little known Simnel, who was a figurehead of the 1487 Yorkist rebellion and ended up working as a spy in the court of King Henry VII— The Pretender is historical fiction at its finest, a gripping, exuberant, rollicking portrait of British monarchy and life within the court, with a cast of unforgettable heroes and villains drawn from 15th century England. A masterful new work from a major new author.

Review:

Seen this and knew I had to check it out! Love a good historical fiction!

After the arrival of a well-dressed stranger, John's life is forever changed. He finds out he is the son of the long-deceased Duke of Clarence. He was hidden out in the country to protect him because Richard III has a nasty habit of removing his nephews. He is sent to Oxford to be trained and prepared to be the heir of the throne and is then sent to Ireland and he meets Joan. They form an alliance that will forever change the fate of the English monarchy. 

What an interesting take and viewpoint to read from. This is based off the true story of Simnel who was the figurehead of the Yorkist rebellion. I honestly don't recall the name personally, so I'll have to do some googling after writing this to freshen up my 15th century knowledge. 

The 1/3 and last 3rd were great! I was addicted and couldn't stop reading. I stayed up WAY too late finishing the book. The middle 3rd.....was a little rougher. It took me a while to get through it. I wanted to skim so badly, but I felt like I would miss some important stuff if I did. TBF - there was some trimming that could be done throughout. Some scenes went on for far too long. 

But yes, the detail and the writing style was refreshing and really made this story come to life. I'm now itching for more. I might have to try out the other novel by this author. 

There is a HUGE list of characters running amuck here, but the author did a good job keeping everything straight and keeping the reader in the know. We got the reminders we needed but yes, just keep that in mind that there is a big cast and you need to pay attention. Thus another reason why I didn't skim the middle bit. 

Ugh Joan. Not sure why, but she really rubbed me the wrong way. 

I adored John!! He was a gem. I loved watching him grow and try to find his way and his identity.

All-in-all, I did enjoy this. The writing style was great and the author just sucks you into the story. I felt like I was there! Sure there needs to be some trimming (especially in the middle 3rd), but I did appreciate the attention to detail. If you like historical fiction, keep your eyes out for this one when it releases! I'll give this 3 stars. 

- Favorite Character(s): John

- Least Favorite Character(s): Joan and Richard III

 

 

Best of the Year with Carole

 

Welcome to the BC Awards!!! We will be showcasing our favorites from the year!

Best Movie:

Blodeuedd's pick......Dune (2024)

"Epic!"

Carole's pick.......1917 (2019)

"Awe-inspiring!"

Top 3 Binged TV Shows (no order):

Carole's pick............Fallout, Tacoma FD, & The Rookie

"Fallout! So good. You can't stop. Tacoma FD was a hoot. Ooooo The Rookie is so bingeful!"

Blodeuedd's pick............Monk, Our Flag Means Death, & Love is Blind

"I think tv series of the year goes to Monk cos we binged it all. I binged both seasons of Our flag means Death and way too many LiB seasons

Best Book Cover:

Blodeuedd's pick.....
"Best cover because it is really simple and it still makes you look."

Carole's pick......

"There is something mystical and beautiful about this one. You can't look away."

Best Audiobook:

Blodeuedd's pick...........Dreadful by Caitlin Rozakis

"Best audio was hard too chose. But it goes to Dreadful."

Carole's pick.......Never Been Witched by Molly Harper

"Best audio? TOUGH competition this year. It all came down to the narrators for me to make this decision. These two worked some serious magic and came out ahead." 

Best Physical Book (ebook, paperback, hardcover): 

Carole's pick.....Magic Triumphs by Ilona Andrews

"Another tough pick....but this was so epic so it won."

Blodeuedd's pick........The Tainted Cup by Robert Jackson Bennet

"It was amazing."

Notable Mentions: 

Carole's pick......

"This nearly won best book. It was captivating and a must-read."

Blodeuedd's pick......

"I got hooked on Kelley Armstrong's books."

And that is the end of the BC Awards. We are pumped to see what 2025 has in store for us!!