Saturday Movie. Darkest Hour

Hello everyone! This month Carole and I are reviewing, Darkest Hour. 

I am in blue and Carole in purple.

Title:  Darkest Hour

Genre: Biography, Drama, History

Running Time: 2 hr and 5 mins

Rating: PG-13

Released: 2017

During the early days of World War II, the fate of Western Europe hangs on the newly-appointed British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, who must decide whether to negotiate with Adolf Hitler, or fight on against incredible odds.

TRAILER: 

DISCUSSION: 

My turn to pick a movie and, eh, maybe not the best pick. Not a lot to discuss, but I am sure we can find things! :) I honestly thought it was pretty good. NOT amazing, but pretty good. I can agree with that. It was good, but not amazing. But things to discuss! Eeek. Ok Gary Oldman! Damn. I did not even see it. You stole the words out of my mouth. I had that on my notes of what I wanted to talk about. Haha YES. Holy cow. He did wonderful in acting and in costume. You can’t even tell it is him. Fantastic. He seriously was Churchill! I still can’t see it even though I know it is him. It was amazing. Down to the not really understanding everything he was saying ;) He deserved an award for this role. Agreed. He had Churchill (or what I know of the man) down to a T. I think he was nominated for an Oscar...but I do not think he won. Who won….no idea! But Oldman should have. He really made the movie, but then the entire movie was about him so he better bring his A game. *does research* Oh! I think he did win! Good! He really deserved it in this film. *nods* Lol. SO went all why are you laughing??, but I had to laugh at that. Oh we know so little. But yes good! He so deserved it for this role. I used to be on top of that! But the last few years? Naw. Too lazy. That is what Google is for. Now! What did you think of the others? I liked his typist and his wife. They were fun. I always enjoy his wife. She is so funny! The typist was in Downton Abbey? Lily? Right? I liked her there if that was here and yes I liked her, but she did not really do much. I wish we had seen more of the wife, she sounded fun! From anything I see with Churchill and his wife, she doesn’t take his crap. I do wish we got more time with her. She is the only one who can truly handle that man. I think we need a movie from her POV! Bring it! :) Yesss! My next point. Why is everything about Churchill in the middle of the war? Yes, yes, he saved England and all, but I really want to watch something about young Churchill and his wife. I want to see them fall in love, get married, and watch them grow together. That would be fun. We can always start with his mother too to get the entire story. And yes it would be fun to see that. I have NO idea what Churchill did before the war. I mean, was he in WW1? He must have, I think. So much I do not know. Mhmmm I think he was? They mentioned, briefly, a mission he messed up. I wanted more info on that. I should google search one day. But yes, I want to learn more about the young man and his wife. I googled. He was involved with Gallipoli, and that was one big mess! Must have messed things up for years for him. So he resigned as an MP and joined the war in 1916 and went to the front. See, already interesting things we learn. Ah yes, I remember that name. They threw that in his face a few times. No details tho. Sighs. SO MUCH MATERIAL THEY COULD DO! So we have reached the conclusion the world needs more Churchill, lol. As for this one, I did not learn anything new. But it was interesting watching it from this side. When I watched Dunkirk everything was on that beach and the sea. Yes, it was interesting to see on this side. It frustrates me, because they wanted to make peace with the monster. NO. Insanity at that point. I did read a book that goes off and does a what-if Churchill caved and decided to make peace. A messed up world indeed. It was all of Europe vs America and Canada. But yes, I did enjoy seeing behind the scenes. Politicians are so crappy. Interesting. I like what ifs. But there would still be Russia. But maybe the Nazis took over? See, I am more interested in that book now. I have read a what if where Germany one and it was bleak, so bleak. Yes, the book was good. I can’t remember Russia. Maybe they kept to themselves...lol been so long. I wished they would’ve cut a little bit and showed more of the aftermaths and more time with him dealing with craziness of war. It was a short time for sure. But they ended on top so to say and that is what they wanted. Not a war that drags out. So do we have anything more to say? Oh oh, I liked when he talked to the people on the subway, that was fun. OMG that scene made me tear up. I’m such a baby. But such loyalty and love is amazing. I cheered. Beautiful scene.

I kept waiting for him to make his speech too, but it was not as good as the subway, cos that was real. I loved the speech he made right before the “big” one. That one was good. He was good at that ;) A real politician. We need another Churchill to wipe this world into shape. LOLLL The man was awesome. Scary, I can imagine, but he was good. I chuckled when the King was all honest with him, “Errr...you are kinda scary you know?” haha I like King George (it was him right? ;) He was real and not meant to be king so I guess that is why. Yes, he was lovely. The actor did well. I honestly didn’t know the two had beef at first. I had no idea Churchill supported the old King wanting to marry his American. So one fact I did not know! THey should have been able to marry and for him to be king, but then again, he seemed to have been nazi oriented so...go George Yes, it all worked out well. I liked George more. His brother was skeevy especially when those photos got out with him being all friendly with the Nazi Lord, Hitler. So England AND the world dodged a bullet. He would’ve SO not supported Churchill in wanting to fight back. Dodged a bullet there for sure. Anything more to add? Mhmmm no. I think that is it. Pretty good. The film was a little dry here and there. I want to see more Churchill movies and shows in the future featuring his young life. You? I agree with a bit dry in places. Still good and interesting, and yes we need young Churchill - the BBC mini series! ;) That would be fine with me. LOLL!!! The end! :=) The end! Back to work for meeeee

Audio: A perfect gentleman - Candace Camp

Forced to marry an American heiress to save his family, Graeme Parr, Earl of Montclair, vowed their marriage would be in name only. Abigail Price thought handsome, aristocratic Graeme was her knight in shining armor, rescuing her from her overbearing father. But when she was spurned by her husband on their wedding night, Abigail fled home to New York.

Now, years later, Abigail has returned. But this sophisticated, alluring woman is not the drab girl Graeme remembers. Appalled by her bold American ways but drawn to her beauty, Graeme follows her on a merry chase through London’s elegant ballrooms to its dockside taverns—why is his wife back? What could she want of him now?

Torn between desire and suspicion, Graeme fears that Abby, like her unprincipled father, has a devious plan to ruin him. But is Abigail’s true desire Graeme’s destruction...or winning his love at last? 

Audio CD, 11 pages

Published March 13th 2018 by Tantor Audio (first published March 28th 2017)

Montclair-de Vere #1

For review

Historical romance

My thoughts:

I really wanted to hit these two over the head, but yes yes I totally get it, still one should think they would understand that the other person liked them back. Alas no.

Abby ran away 10 years ago (and I totally get why). Now she is back to give him a second chance. And she is confident (at times), stronger and her own woman.

Graeme spent the last 10 years alone, and not that he cared. He never wanted a wife in the first place. 

Ok so yes their marriage started on such bad terms. He likes someone else. Her father blackmailed him and orchestrated the whole thing. Can you blame either of them?

And he is certainly no perfect gentleman! Shame on your Sir!

They have a lot work through. There is distrust on both sides and even when they enjoy spending time together they have second thoughts. Idiots! You clearly enjoy it!

But that is not all! There is danger and secrets to unravel too. I did guess it in the end, yes! I got one thing right for once.

Danger and drama.

Narrator. Gildart Jackson

His range was not the best. Of course I could still enjoy it, but I wished he had not forgotten her accent.

Audio: Highland Dragon Master - Isabel Cooper

Legend claims

When Scotland fell to English rule

The Highland dragons took a vow:

Freedom at any price.

The war for Scottish independence rages on, but it's only a matter of time before England is victorious. Exhausted and battle-weary, Highland dragon Erik MacAlasdair will face unknown seas to seek the Templar stronghold and claim a power so great it could free his beloved homeland forever.

If only that kind of power didn't come with such a terrible price.

Daughter of a mortal woman and an ancient dragon, Toinette has never forgotten the proud Scot who once stole her young heart—she'll gladly fight at his side. But when dark forces leave them stranded on a cursed island, it will take everything they have to defy their fate...and trust the passion that burns within the heart of every dragon. 

Audio CD, 9 h
Published March 6th 2018 by Tantor Audio
Dawn of the Highland Dragon #3
Historical paranormal romance
For review

My thoughs:

For a romance there was not a lot of romance. It's more historical romance, with romance or well, lust thrown in at the end.

Erik needs an old artifact that the Templars hid. So he hires a ship, and look the captain is his old friend Toinette. Friend and friend, they spent a few years together as teens and shared a kiss. Oh and they are both dragons.

For a Highland book it does not even take place in the Highlands! I was very sad, I mean only one Scot! Shame, shame. Most of the book takes place on this really creepy cursed island. I mean really creepy, when I listened in the dark all I thought was, I really hope this does not give me nightmares! It was one of those not shown, just speculation and then more and more. That was one freaky island! And there they are, stranded (and no, they can't just fly away.)

Most of the book is trying to get away, and these two growing closer and giving in to that passion that has been building.

Starting a book shakily it ended with a creepy bang. A good creepy bang.

Narrator Derek Perkins

Sure it worked, but, I honestly feel he would be better for straight up romance. Not this mostly pnr thing. I think I would enjoy it more in a proper setting, with balls and dinners. He does have the voice for that.

Cover

sexy dragon alert

Audio: No Earls allowed - Shana Galen

Lady Juliana, daughter of the Earl of St. Maur, needs all the help she can get. She's running a ramshackle orphanage, London's worst slumlord has illicit designs on her, and her father has suddenly become determined to marry her off. Enter Major Neil Wraxall, bastard son of the Marquess of Kensington, sent to assist Lady Juliana in any way he can. Lucky for her, he's handy with repairs, knows how to keep her and the orphans safe, and is a natural leader of men. Unfortunately for both of them, the scandal that ensues from their mutual attraction is going to lead them a merry dance . . . 

Audio CD, 10 h
Published March 6th 2018 by Tantor Audio
The Survivors #2
Historical romance
For review

My thoughts

These poor war heroes. They certainly do not seem themselves as heroes, and the turn has come to Neil. The man who gave the orders and now he blames himself for the death of his men. Drinking himself to death and having nightmares. Luckily his dad sends him on a new mission (oh and yes he is a bastard so he has issues with that too.)

Juliana was, oh well, yes girl power and all that, but omg woman, you are taking over an orphanage in the slums, please have some backup! I would be scared. While she was all, I can do that! Kudos for that, but scary! And yes there is this guy after her too. But then again, she cares not for reputation or anything else. All she wants to do is take care of these orphans and try and get some order. I did like her, even if I did want her to take Neil's help and not be so stubborn ;)

Oh and why are there always boys? I never come across any orphanages with girls. But the boys were fun and I liked how the interacted with Neil.

The house is falling apart. The boys are running wild. There is no one except for Julia there. There is a creepy crimelord around. Neil has his hands full. And they also have time to fall in love (and they are both virgins ;) I just had to add that.)

Conclusion:
Sweet with danger and rats!

Victoria Aston

I like her voices for everyone. She works excellent for historical romance and it's fun listening to.

I am there in the moment and it sure makes for fun audio. Romance was made for it.

sample

Cover thoughts.

Makes no sense. A country estate? A ball gown? Sure she attends like 3 functions but most of the book takes place in the orphanage