Audio: My favorite things by Lynsay Sands

Narrated by: Justine Eyre

Length: 7 hrs and 53 mins

Unabridged Audiobook

Release date: 10-29-19

Language: English

Publisher: HarperAudio

Historical romance

For review

All I want

This one was funny. Prudence is trying to get her father to stop gambling (not funny, that man needs help), but what is funny are her antics trying to get into his club and the chaos she creates. The owner has no idea what he is in for

And then fall in love and her dad is saved

3 French Hens

Brianne, a scullery maid, looks just like Lady Joan. So she goes along pretending to be Joan so that Joan can think of a plan to get out of a marriage. No surprise, Joanne falls for the hubbie to be and he does seem wonderful.

And then they loved happily ever after and it all worked out.

The Fairy Godmother

Odel's godmother shows up and says that she now is a fairy godmother and that she will have her married by Xmas.

A castle filled with suitors, a fairy godmother who does magic, and a stranger who shows up and seems the most sane one.

And then they lived happily ever after.

Sweet stories, and they work as they are.

Narration

I always like Justine Eyre, and I do feel that she is perfect for historical romance. I like the feeling and voices she does.

All I Want

With Lady Prudence’s father gambling away the family’s savings, all she wants for Christmas is to haul him away from London’s most notorious gaming hell. Yet the wickedly handsome proprietor, Lord Stockton, refuses to let a lady enter his establishment. Now Pru needs a Christmas miracle to make her wish come true - and to resist succumbing to Stockton’s charms.

Three French Hens

Brinna’s life as a scullery maid changes with the arrival of the castle’s newest guest, Lady Joan. Desperate to escape an arranged marriage, Joan suggests that look-alike Brinna take her place at the Christmas festivities. Suddenly, Brinna finds herself being wooed by a true gentleman, and getting the best Christmas present of all: a new life.

The Fairy Godmother

Odel is told by her godmother that she must marry by Christmas, and even gives her fairy dust to separate the mice from the men. But Odel has sworn off love...until kind and generous Michel catches her eye. He shows Odel how good it can feel to fall in love, but will it be enough to convince Odel to trust her heart?

Audio: Angel in a Devil's Arms by Julie Anne Long

Narrated by: Justine Eyre
Series: Palace of Rogues, Book 2
Length: 7 hrs and 55 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 10-29-19
Language: English
Publisher: HarperAudio
Historical romance
In exchange for an honest review

For a book with someone back fromt the dead, I expected more drama, but hey I am not complaining.

Angelique used to be a mistress, now she runs a boarding house with the wife of the man whose mistress she was. Yes, I had a rocky start with her, but she is a good person, and that guy was an asshat anyway.

I like the boarding house, with its funny boarders, and rules.

And to the drama, or non drama. Lucien was assumed dead for 10 years (as someone did try to kill him), and now he wants revenge. Instead he falls in love. And well Lucien was just a really good guy, he tried at revenge, but hey he is a lover not a fighter.

And then they live happily ever after. A sweet story, without drama.

Narration

If you had not noticed, I am a Justine Eyre fan. I really appreciate her historical romance narrations. Her voice fits well for the era, and she does a great job with male and female voices. I like listening to her.

He has devil's blood in his veins. At least, that's always been the legend. How else could the Duke of Brexford's notorious bastard son return from the dead? The brutal decade since Lucien Durand, Lord Bolt, allegedly drowned in the Thames forged him into a man who always gets what--and who--he wants. And what he wants is vengeance for his stolen birthright . . . and one wild night in Angelique Breedlove's bed.

Angelique recognizes heartbreak when the enigmatic Lord Bolt walks into The Grand Palace on the Thames, and not even his devastating charm can tempt her to risk her own ever again. One scorching kiss drives home the danger.

But in the space between them springs a trust that feels anything but safe. And the passion--explosive, consuming--drives Lucien to his knees. Now his whole life depends on proving his love to a woman who doesn't believe in it . . . because his true birthright, he now knows, is guardian of Angelique Breedlove's heart.

Audio: The Scotsman who swept me away by Hannah Howell

Narrated by: Justine Eyre

Series: Seven Brides/Seven Scotsmen, Book 3

Length: 6 hrs and 46 mins

Unabridged Audiobook

Release date: 08-27-19

Language: English

Publisher: Tantor Audio

Historical romance

In exchange for an honest review

Narration

Well I really like her voice and style so all good. She is one to listen to. Justine Eyre really is perfect when it comes to historical romance.

She brings the story to life and is pleasant listening to

Story

This is the third McEnroe book. Another brother finds love, and yes it does work like a stand alone book too in that sense.

Geordie wants to see the sea so he sets out on a trip east, together with his brother Robbie. Geordie was a good guy, honorable and well yeah I can't say anything bad about him.

Belle owns a house, and rents out rooms to those that need it. She was smart, knew about medicine from her dad and did not give in.

These two fall into friendship and love. There is some drama too, her neighbor (even if that story got an ending too quickly.) There is a story with Robbie too as he has trouble with his leg after a previous accident.

The story evolved quickly and it was a short book. I do like the fast ones.

Off the New England coast, courageous Mehitabel Ampleford wields a rifle to protect her home from a brutish band of men who are after her land. She will not be intimidated, but their attacks are growing fiercer, and just as their latest confrontation threatens violence, a bold stranger appears out of the ocean mists to send the raiders packing.

Geordie MacEnroy has seen the ravages of war in his mountain town - and in the injuries suffered by his youngest brother; now, his restless soul is calling him to find sanctuary by the sea. His long journey to the beautiful coastline of his adopted homeland feels like a new beginning as lovely Mehitabel, so wise and self-sufficient, offers blessed hope for healing his brother's wounds. Geordie envisions a beautiful life with her as his bride, but a woman who has fought so fearlessly for her home may not willingly surrender all for his love....

Audio: The rogue to ruin by Vivienne Lorret

The Bourne Matrimonial Agency has one rule: Never fall in love with a client, which shouldn't be a problem when one’s faking an engagement to the rogue across the street . . .

Ainsley Bourne needs the family business to succeed. But one obstacle stands in her way—Reed Sterling, the huge, handsome, former prize fighter and owner of the gaming hell across the street. His scandalous customers scare off all her marriage-minded patrons and since the devilish brute has no intention of relocating, she sets out to ruin his unsavory establishment. Yet when a vile suitor from her past reappears, Ainsley hastily claims an attachment to the first man who comes to mind . . . Mr. Sterling, to be exact.

Reed doesn’t know who is more surprised by Miss Bourne’s declaration. She clearly hates him, and he’d never admit their arguments simmer with unrequited attraction. Something about the pleading look in her eyes calls to Reed, and against his better judgment, he quickly plays the part of the besotted fiancé.

Pretending to be in love requires a convincing charade. But with each tantalizing touch and every scandalous kiss, Ainsley starts to wonder if Reed was ever really the enemy at all

I wanted to read about Ainsley and Reed after seeing them go at each other in a previous book. They did not like each other ;)

Ainsley is running her matrimonial agency. Across the street Reed is running his gambling hell. These two things to not go together.

Awww banter. Ainsley is the one being mad, Reed just goes along for the ride. And then she declares war. All good things, and they So belong together.

There is a darker side to the story too, but that might come in as a spoiler, so yes there is some drama danger too. But fear not, she has Reed near.

I enjoyed it. Drama, romance and banter. WHat is there not to like!

Narrator

It is Justine Eyre! She is great when it comes to historical romance!

Narrated by: Justine Eyre
Series: Misadventures in Matchmaking, Book 3
Length: 10 hrs and 58 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 07-30-19
Language: English
Publisher: HarperAudio
Historical romance
In exchange for an honest review

Audio: Cursed - Keri Arthur

Narrated by: Justine Eyre

Series: Kingdoms of Earth & Air Series, Book 2

Length: 12 hrs and 30 mins

Unabridged Audiobook

Release date: 03-12-19

Language: English

Publisher: Tantor Audio

Fantasy

Thank you Tantor for this copy

My Thoughts

Books seldom make me want to pick the author's brain, but I just have so many questions! In a good way

These books feel so sci.fi. Like people went to a planet, forgot and started anew. It is fantasy with big guns. Now when I have read two books I have started to wonder, do they put all their energy and time into military tech (since they have no phones or well tv ;) They are constantly under attack and have been so for hundreds of years. Of course all they do then is military tech. See, I so want to ask the author these things.

Plus there is magic so why bother making things with tech  when you can use magic.

Such a fascinating world. I at once had to check if there is a blurb for book 3, nope, but a cool cover. See all these books takes place on different continents, but what they have in common are freaky things trying to kill and eat them.

I ave not even started with the story! Right, princess Nix, her family are aholes and should die die die! She is given away to a foreign lord and this is the best thing that could happen, cos like I said, her father and brother needs to burn burn BURN! Poor Nix, she bore her scars well.

Donal, the highlander was awesome too. He was witty, and flirty, without coming on too strong, or making her uncomfortable. 

This is military fantasy so there is a lot of fighting and trying to find the baddies.

Last thoughts

A really great and fun series! I can not wait for more. I do enjoy these. I also really liked the end of this one, it was so fitting.

Narration

The awesome Justine Eyre! I do love everything she does

Her voice for Earth is so fitting. I also like her other voices and as I am well aware of she does a great highlander brogue. 

She brings everything to a narration and it makes for a great listen.

Blurb

Whomsoever draws the sword from the ancient seat of this land shall rule it, and they shall bring peace and prosperity to its people.

For nearly a thousand years, the first-born son of every Cannamore King has drawn the sword, and the land and her people have indeed prospered.

Princess Nyx Bel-Hannon is neither male nor first-born, but it is her hand that draws the sword rather than her twin brother’s. As a reward, she is given a prison rather than a throne.

But a deep darkness now spreads across the Kingdom, and her borders are threatened by creatures capable of magic powerful enough to destroy mountains or split the land asunder. Without the true heir to wield the sword, Cannamore risks annihilation. The King and crown prince want nothing more than to be permanently rid of Nyx, but cannot afford her blood on their hands. Instead, they give her to a highland warlord in the hope he will do what they dare not. 

Nyx has no intention of letting the highlander get in the way of her thirst for revenge or the need to reclaim her throne. But it’s a quest that may well destroy the kingdom she loves.

Because Nyx has been cursed by the god of war. It is her destiny to save Cannamore.

Or utterly destroy it. 

Audio: Lady Derring takes a lover - Julie Anne Long

Narrated by: Justine Eyre

Length: 9 hrs and 13 mins

Release date: 02-26-19

Publisher: HarperAudio

Series: The Palace of rogues #1

Historical romance

Thank you Harper for this audiobook!

My Thoughts

Delilah is a young widow left with nothing. Her husband was in debt, but he did leave her a house by the docks. And she gets the idea of making into a boarding house...by the docks...

She was kind, but she did have a side she never got to show as she was the nice little wife for her husband. I did like her snark, you never saw it coming.

Tristan is looking for smugglers and his quest leads him to her door. And honestly why this was I do not know. i mean I get why, but two and four does not five make. Still he fancies her, she fancies him back. He is the stoic kind, but there is more to him, even if not shown a lot.

The boarding house proved to be a fun idea. A weird collection of people with nothing in common. A quest for smugglers, and a couple falling in love. The next book looks to be a fun one too.

Conclusion

Cute and fun

Narrator
Justine Eyre! Ha, I can not grow bored with her voices.  Her narrations are always fun

Blurb

Delilah Swanpool, Countess of Derring, learns the hard way that her husband, Dear Dull Derring, is a lot more interesting-and perfidious-dead than alive. It's a devil of an inheritance, but in the grand ruins of the one building Derring left her, are the seeds of her liberation. And she vows never again to place herself at the mercy of a man.

But battle-hardened Captain Tristan Hardy is nothing if not merciless. When the charismatic naval hero tracks a notorious smuggler to a London boarding house known as the Rogue's Palace, seducing the beautiful, blue-blooded proprietress to get his man seems like a small sacrifice.

They both believe love is a myth. But a desire beyond reason threatens to destroy the armor around their hearts. Now a shattering decision looms: Will Tristan betray his own code of honor...or choose a love that might be the truest thing he's ever known? 

Audio: Rogues Rush in

Narrated by: Justine Eyre

Length: 6 hrs and 59 mins

Unabridged Audiobook

Release date: 02-19-19

Language: English

Publisher: Tantor Audio

Historical romance

thank you Tantor!

My Thoughts:

His Bride for the Taking by Tessa Dare

I liked this one. It was very sweet. Sebastian has been in love with his best friend's sister forever and she who was older never noticed him. And then when she is left at the altar he marries her instead to save her reputation. I mean what a wonderful guy! Also what horrible times when it means being left at the altar ruins her rep cos people will think they did things before.

Most of the book takes place in a little cottage. Oh one part at the beginning made me snort. It was so funny. But they will get to know each other more and more *wink wink* They will have some hurdles to get over and some truths will be had. But it is a funny one. 

Oh I almost forgot...Ikea. That is all I am saying *snorts*

His Duchess for a Day by  Christi Caldwell 

I had a harder time with this heroine. She left her new husband and stayed away for 10 years. Was he an ogre you ask? No, he was her best friend. And then when he shows up she has the nerve to think ill of him cos she has seen his name in the scandal sheets. You left him, for 10 years! He did not know whether you were dead or alive!

Of course we do learn things further in that makes me forgive her a tiny bit, a tiny bit. He is still a great guy all way through. All men should be that steadfast. He loves her and he wants her back.

All in all:

Great Dukes!

Narration

The ever awesome Justine Eyre narrates and you might have notice that I do like her style. She can not do anything wrong

Blurb

Two scandalous brides...

Two rogues who won’t be denied...

His Bride for the Taking by New York Times Bestselling author Tessa Dare

It’s the first rule of friendship among gentlemen: Don’t even think about touching your best friend’s sister. But Sebastian, Lord Byrne, has never been one for rules. He’s thought about touching Mary Clayton—a lot—and struggled to resist temptation. But when Mary’s bridegroom leaves her waiting the altar, only Sebastian can save her from ruin. By marrying her himself. 

In eleven years, he’s never laid a finger on his best friend’s sister. Now he’s going to take her with both hands. To have, to hold...and to love.

His Duchess for a Day by USA Today Bestseller Christi Caldwell 

It was never meant to be…

That’s what Elizabeth Terry has told herself while trying to forget the man she married--her once best friend. Passing herself off as a widow, Elizabeth has since built a life for herself as an instructor at a finishing school, far away from that greatest of mistakes. But the past has a way of finding you, and now that her husband has found her, Elizabeth must face the man she’s tried to forget.

It was time to right a wrong…

Crispin Ferguson, the Duke of Huntington, has spent the past years living with regret. The young woman he married left without a by-your-leave, and his hasty elopement had devastating repercussions. Despite everything, Crispin never stopped thinking about Elizabeth. Now that he’s found her, he has one request—be his duchess, publicly, just for a day. 

Can spending time together as husband and wife rekindle the bond they once shared? Or will a shocking discovery tear them apart...this time, forever?

Audio: The Trouble with true love - Laura Lee Guhrke

By: Laura Lee Guhrke

Narrated by: Justine Eyre

Series: Dear Lady Truelove, Book 2

Length: 10 hrs and 2 mins

Unabridged Audiobook

Release date: 01-29-19

Language: English

Publisher: HarperAudio 

My Thoughts:

Clara's sister owns a newspaper and now when Irene is on her honeymoon it is Clara that has to care for the paper. And write a advice column! Not the easiest thing for shy wallflower. Poor Clara, Irene was meant to be back and writing the column by now.

Yes Clara. A bit of a wallflower who may start stammering when a handsome men approaches. But sweet, smart and utterly useless at giving other advice.

Rex, a rogue that is not really a rogue. Against marriage cos of his parents. Cut of by his dad and living on his aunt's allowance. But it all hasa  reason and I felt that yes maybe he was actually too kind. Sometimes people needs to learn a lesson. Handsome as the devil too.

A bloody nose brings them together. He hates newsrags. She thinks he can shove his advice up his *beeP* And oh you two! Working close together and pretending things always lead to love! Will these rakes never learn! ;)

Conclusion:

Stolen kisses. Banter and falling in love. There is never any real drama. The drama is more how these two are so different and must learn that love will always win.

Fun times!

Narrator

Well, yes, Justine Eyre again. I do enjoy her voice when it comes to historical romance. She does the men and women so well in them. She brings me to that era.

Story

Dear Lady Truelove,

I am a girl of noble family, but I am painfully shy, especially in my encounters with those of the opposite sex . . . 

For Clara Deverill, standing in for the real Lady Truelove means dispensing advice on problems she herself has never managed to overcome. There’s nothing for it but to retreat to a tearoom and hope inspiration strikes between scones. It doesn’t—until Clara overhears a rake waxing eloquent on the art of “honorable” jilting. The cad may look like an Adonis, but he’s about to find himself on the wrong side of Lady Truelove.

Rex Galbraith is an heir with no plans to produce a spare. He flirts with the minimum number of eligible young ladies to humor his matchmaking aunt, but Clara is the first to ever catch his roving eye. When he realizes that Clara—as Lady Truelove—has used his advice as newspaper fodder, he’s infuriated. But when he’s forced into a secret alliance with her, he realizes he’s got a much bigger problem—because Clara is upending everything Rex thought he knew about women—and about himself. . . .

Audio: How the Dukes stole Christmas - Anthology

A Holiday Romance Anthology

By: Tessa Dare, Sarah MacLean, Sophie Jordan, Joanna Shupe

Narrated by: Justine Eyre

Historical romance

Release date: 12-04-18

• Publisher: HarperAudio
• Thank you Harper for this review copy!

My Thoughts

"Meet Me in Mayfair" by Tessa Dare

Louisa Ward needs a Christmas miracle. Unless she catches a wealthy husband at the ball tonight, the horrid, heartless Duke of Thorndale will evict her family from their beloved Mayfair home. But when her friend begs to switch dance cards, Louisa finds herself waltzing with the enemy: the horrid, heartless--and unexpectedly handsome--Thorndale himself. Now the duke's holding her future in his hands...and he's not letting go.

This takes place under a rather magical night. Louisa meets her bitter enemy and shares a dance. And then they are sort of stuck with each other and get to know each other better. He is no ogre after all. No, James is a hardworking man who never wanted to be Duke. And Louisa just wants to save her family. 

It was a fun little story and I knew a little drama was coming but they handled it well.

"The Duke of Christmas Present" by Sarah MacLean

Rich and ruthless, Eben, Duke of Allryd, has no time for holidays. Holidays are for whimsy and charm--the only two things his money cannot buy. Lady Jacqueline Mosby is full of both, even now, twelve years after she left to see the world. When Jacqueline returns for a single Christmas, Eben can't resist the woman he never stopped loving...or the future that had once been in reach. It will take a miracle to convince her to stay...but if ever there were a time for miracles, it's Christmas.

I was not that keen on this one. It was rather depressing for a Christmas story. Eben is lonely and does nothing else but work. Once upon a time he wanted to marry Jaqueline, but he was busy saving his Dukedom to be worthy of her so he forgot her. I mean idiot much!

Jack loved him for the 12 years she was away and now she is back.

It just left me with the feeling that if he forgot about her once he will do so again. Rather depressing yes.

Heiress Alone by Sophie Jordan 

When Annis Bannister's family leaves her behind in the rush to escape an impending snowstorm, she finds herself stranded in the Highlands, left to fend off brigands terrorizing the countryside, robbing homes locked up for winter. Her only hope falls on her neighbor, a surly hermit duke who unravels her with a look, then a kiss ... until she fears the danger to her heart outweighs the danger of brigands and snowstorms. 

I liked this one. The Duke is so grumpy, and Annis is well normal! She wants some peace and quiet to read and garden. Her family gives me Pride and Prejudice vibes. Mum wants to marry off the daughters and they are so loud ;)

Then it becomes Home alone and she is left behind and there are bandits. Luckily for her a grumpy Duke is nearby and sparks fly as they spar and fall in love.

Of course I would have ADORED an epilogue when her mum comes back and is all omg wasn't it great we forgot you so you could catch a Duke. All loud and such.

Christmas in Central Park by Joanna Shupe. 

Women all over America devour Mrs. Walker's weekly column for recipes and advice. No one knows Rose, the column's author, can't even boil water. When the paper's owner, Duke Havemeyer, insists she host a Christmas party, Rose must scramble to find a husband, an empty mansion, and a cook. But Duke is not a man easily fooled and she fears her perfect plan is failing--especially when Duke's attentions make her feel anything but professional. To save her career will she give up her chance at love?

What? No real Duke, just a guy named Duke? Blasphemy!

Wow, the theme really is that all these Dukes are grinches. This one works works and works some more.'

In romance, all romance is plausible. But here it did stretch a bit, they had not spoken a lot. They fell in love, but really it was just lust since he thought she was married after all. But hey love is love and then they lived happily ever after.

Conclusion.

A nice little anthology with Dukes who are grinches for different reasons and need a bit of Christmas joy and a beautiful woman to get all merry with it.

Narrator

Justine Eyre

I do like her stuff! She is great fun as a narrator! She make her characters come alive.

Audio: What Ales the Earl - Sally MacKenzie

Book 1 in the Widow’s Brew series

Narrated by Justine Eyre

Publication date Oct 23, 2018 by Tantor Media

Running time 9 hrs 7 min

Historical romance

Thanks to Tantor for this review copy

My Thoughts

I liked that this one did keep true to time. For most of the book it does not even hit Harry that he could marry Pen. Why would he? He is an Earl, she is a farmer's daughter. And that was the sad facts. But hey, this is romance. Do NOT worry.

Pen and Harry spent a glorious summer together. He went off to War, she found out she was pregnant and fled. He is now back and is an Earl. She is making ale and living with a bunch of other women. He wants to marry a lady to get an heir and a spare. She wants a secure home for her daughter.

Harry was like a nobleman would have been. He would marry someone equal to him, he would not love her and they would do their own things. And then he sees Pen and offer to have her as his mistress (after some time, he is not a total arse.) Yes, I thought that was perfectly reasonable. It's not like he would have seen her and thought must marry her! Everyone would gossip after all. His first thought was mistress and it took some time for his mindset to change. I thought it was stupid of him, but yes reasonable.

Pen knew these things too. But she also wanted more, and I admired her for that. Good for you!

They have a lot of talking in front of them. And him getting to know their daughter. A crazy lady will emerge. And when he finally sees the light it is wonderful. Because this is a romance and even farmer's daughters get those HEAs.

Conclusion:

Romance, a bit of ale and some nekkid times.

Narrator.

Justine Eyre is great, I have nothing bad to say about her. I like all her voices and her accents.

Cover

cute

Full Synopsis
Scandal does not define the "fallen" ladies of Puddledon Manor's Benevolent Home. Instead, it's a recipe for an intoxicating new future as the women combine their talents—to operate their own brewery and alehouse . . .

When Penelope Barnes arrived at the Home with her young daughter, she discovered a knack for horticulture—and for cultivating the hops needed to produce a superlative pint. She put her scandalous affair with Harry Graham firmly in the past, along with the wrenching pain she felt when he went off to war. After all, she'd always known a farmer's daughter had no future with an earl's son. Now she has the pleasant memory of their passion, and she has little Harriet . . .

Harry went off to fight for the Crown unaware that his delightful interlude with his childhood friend had permanent consequences. Now he's back in England, catapulted into the title by his brother's untimely death. He sorely misses his former life of unfettered adventure, so when he has reason to explore Little Puddledon, he jumps at the chance. But what he finds there is something—and someone—he never knew he'd lost, and a once forbidden love whose time has come, if only he can persuade Pen he's home to stay . . .

Audio: Prayers for the stolen - Jennifer Clement

My thoughts:

At the back of the book there is an essay by the author telling how she spent 10 years doing research about the subject. I did know about how the Cartels kill and kidnap women, but I never knew to which extent. And it does make it more terrible, and it makes it into the kind of book you should listen to.

Ladydi grows up in a world of women. The men are either dead, or have left for the US. She lives in a world of scorpions, heat and the constant threat of being taken. If there is a pretty girl on a mountain someone will be told and they will be stolen. First she pretends she is a boy and when she gets older her mother makes her as ugly as she can. No one wants to steal an ugly girl. Rubbing chili on your face, painting your teeth black, cutting of your hair. Anything to be safe. And if that does not work you can always hide in a hole when they come for you. Women are stolen. Children are stolen.

And it is not like the girls and women are the only one in danger. Someone has to wait 8 years for an operation cos doctors dare not come. They will get kidnapped too and need an escort of soldiers. No teacher wants to live there either and they change every year. It is a dangerous land ruled by the narcos. And the cops are just as bad.

The government is no better. They want to ruin the poppy plantations and the pilots are scared of going to close so they just dump poison nearby, on civilians. 

Now why do they not just leave? Right, to where? They still love this land ruled by corruption and the cartels. 

This is then her story as she grows up and well I will not spoil it. It's not an easy life  and I am both fascinated and horrified. I feel sorry for all women.

But still it is not a bleak book. The main character brings life and love to the story.

Conclusion:

It is one of those books that should be read,  and/or discussed

Narrator Justine Eyre

I do like her and she does  a great job. She has a compassionate voice.

Blurb:

Ladydi Garcia Martínez is fierce, funny and smart. She was born into a world where being a girl is a dangerous thing. In the mountains of Guerrero, Mexico, women must fend for themselves, as their men have left to seek opportunities elsewhere. Here in the shadow of the drug war, bodies turn up on the outskirts of the village to be taken back to the earth by scorpions and snakes. School is held sporadically, when a volunteer can be coerced away from the big city for a semester. In Guerrero the drug lords are kings, and mothers disguise their daughters as sons, or when that fails they "make them ugly"—cropping their hair, blackening their teeth—anything to protect them from the rapacious grasp of the cartels. And when the black SUVs roll through town, Ladydi and her friends burrow into holes in their backyards like animals, tucked safely out of sight.

While her mother waits in vain for her husband’s return, Ladydi and her friends dream of a future that holds more promise than mere survival, finding humor, solidarity and fun in the face of so much tragedy. When Ladydi is offered work as a nanny for a wealthy family in Acapulco, she seizes the chance, and finds her first taste of love with a young caretaker there. 

Audio CD, 6 pages
Published July 10th 2018 by Tantor Audio (first published 2014)
Fiction
For review

Audio: Murder between the lines - Radha Vatsal

In the second book in the acclaimed Kitty Weeks Mystery series, Kitty is tasked with writing a story about Westfield Hall, a prestigious girls' boarding school. Tragedy strikes when a student named Elspeth is found frozen to death in Central Park. The doctors proclaim that the girl's sleepwalking was the cause, but Kitty isn't so sure.

Determined to uncover the truth, Kitty must investigate a more chilling scenario—a murder that may involve Elspeth's scientist father and a new invention by Thomas Edison.

For fans of Susan Elia MacNeal and Jacqueline Winspear, Murder Between the Lines is a rich and spirited novel with irresistible charm, combining true historical events with a thrilling mystery. 

Audio CD, 7 pages
Published May 1st 2018 by Tantor Audio
Kitty Weeks Mystery #2
Historical mystery
For review

My thoughts:

I have not read/listened to book 1, and I know that I often say it, but honestly, here it truly works as a  stand alone. The author smoothly sets the reader into Kitty's life and it is like we always were there lurking.

Kitty is 19 and works as a reporter at a woman's page at a magazine. Sure, she does not get paid and she works half days, but she loves it! She wants to be  real reporter, in this man's world. She is curious, nice and young. I liked that it really shows that she is 19 at times. That she still lives with her father and it dependent on him. That she does want to strike out on her own, but is not really ready for that.

What to call this book then. Historical mystery? Sure, yes, and it was light too.

The story then; A girl Kitty just met is found dead. She thinks it is weird and investigates, and this is what I love about historical mysteries, it takes time! She is slowly talking to people and following leads, not even knowing if there was foul play. 

And during this there is talk of war (1915-16), submarines and what Germany might do. Suffragettes and women's place in the work place. All neatly woven in  as she look for her clues. I liked that Kitty learned more about herself and what she wanted to do as she looked deeper into things.

I liked the ending, it was something to make you think

Conclusion:
I enjoyed it and I hope Kitty will have more adventures.

Narrator Justine Eyre

She sounded so familiar, and then she did an accent and I knew! Yes I have listened to her before and I enjoy her voice. I like her male voices and accents. And the friendly tone she has.

Audio Review: The Scotsman who saved me - Hannah Howell

A brutal attack on Emily Stanton's family has left her for dead . . . until she is found in the woods by a handsome stranger with a thick brogue who vows to protect her. There's only one problem: As a woman with a noble English background, she has no business keeping company with such a man. For Scotsman Iain MacEnroy, Emily's high-tone accent is a bitter reminder of the oppressive regime he left behind. The last thing he needs is to be burdened by the needs of a beautiful, blue-eyed Englishwoman. But taking care of elegant, educated Emily begins to transform Iain in ways he never imagined. Could it be that the deep divisions from the old world no longer apply in the new-and that Iain and Emily can share a passion as lush and wild as the Scottish highlands themselves?

Audio CD, 8 h - Published September 26th 2017 by Tantor Audio - Seven Brides for Seven Scotsmen #1 - Historical romance - For review

My thoughts:

Quite the beginning with Iain and his brothers finding a burned cabin and dead bodies inside. And everyone is so calm with the violence cos sadly it could happen. But yes it starts with a bang.

Emily's sister and brother in law are dead. And what is she now to do? Well luckily she was saved by a sexy Scot who is all kind and nice and brings her to his home. Emily was a survivor and determined to succeed. She may have been gentry but those days are over. I liked her, she had a good head on those shoulders.

Iain hates the gentry since he is Scottish and they sadly kicked out a lot of Scots. But American is the land of dreams. At times I did wonder about things, in listening it comes across as weird at times, I wonder if it is like that in print. He never did ask, just always went for it, and then there are her thoughts. I guess I wanted her to be more yay kisses and more. Cos now it seemed...weird. Which it is so not meant to be. They are swept away by lust, aren't they always.

There is something more but I do not want to spoil it all. The danger that is after her. What happened to her sis and brother in law and more...danger.

And then there is getting a glimpse of all his brothers, and they all seem lovely and I hope they all find love.

Conclusion:

Scots in America. Scots are needed everywhere. A nice romance

Narrator Justine Eyre.

I did like her voices, but a woman can never make a Scot sound as sexy as a man can...nope ;) But I still enjoyed her male and female voices. Her voice for Mrs ONeill was perfect, a totally no nonsense matron.

Listen to a sample