Audiobook Review: One of Those Flings by Lauren Blakely

Author: Lauren Blakely

Narrator: Full cast

Title: One of Those Flings

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Novella, Short story, Humor

Format: Audiobook

Published: August 31, 2020

Where I got It: Audible

Summary: 

Skyler’s breakup survival plan is simple: Swear off men for a year and celebrate her man cleanse with a solo tropical vacation to Hawaii. Snorkeling, sightseeing, zip lining, and leisurely dinners by the sea are just what the doctor ordered to mend her broken heart.

That is, until she meets a hunky adventure tour guide who makes her want to break all her own rules. Handsome, funny, and exciting, Caleb is by far the hottest local attraction. Will a romantic island fling lead to more heartbreak - or a new beginning?

Review:

Weee! Short story!

Here we follow Caleb and Skyler. They both survived a bad break-up and refuse to date for a while. Skyler decides to take a nice vacation to celebrate her 1 year of single-hood. That is.....until she meets Caleb. Caleb is a tour guide and lives life by the rules. 

So this was a full cast of narrators. It is more like a movie that you can't see and it worked well. Simple and fun. 

It was really short and it was fine. I did want more of an epilogue but it is what it is. 

Cute couple. Fun local. And some humor sprinkled in. It was a nice short. 

Thank you Blodeuedd for the recommendation ;) It was fun. 

3 stars. 

- Favorite Character(s): Skyler and Caleb

- Least Favorite Character(s): no one. 

 

 Challenge(s):

- Audiobook #23

Audiobook Review: Part of Your World by Abby Jimenez

Author: Abby Jimenez

Narrator: Julia Whelan, Zachary Webber

Title: Part of Your World

Series: Part of Your World #1

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Chick Lit

Format: Audiobook

Published: April 19, 2022

Where I got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 

After a wild bet, gourmet grilled-cheese sandwich, and cuddle with a baby goat, Alexis Montgomery has had her world turned upside down. The cause: Daniel Grant, a ridiculously hot carpenter who’s ten years younger than her and as casual as they come—the complete opposite of sophisticated city-girl Alexis. And yet their chemistry is undeniable.

While her ultra-wealthy parents want her to carry on the family legacy of world-renowned surgeons, Alexis doesn’t need glory or fame. She’s fine with being a “mere” ER doctor. And every minute she spends with Daniel and the tight-knit town where he lives, she’s discovering just what’s really important. Yet letting their relationship become anything more than a short-term fling would mean turning her back on her family and giving up the opportunity to help thousands of people.

Bringing Daniel into her world is impossible, and yet she can’t just give up the joy she’s found with him either. With so many differences between them, how can Alexis possibly choose between her world and his?

Review:

Been meaning to read this so I was excited when it showed up at the library!

Here we follow Alexis and Daniel. The two couldn't be more different. Alexis comes a family of world-renowned surgeons, but she is "just" an ER doctor. They were okay with this because she was dating the head of surgery. When she breaks up with him, her parents want her to strive for more. On the way home from a funeral, Alexis meets Daniel. Daniel is the honorary mayor of a tiny town and he runs a small hotel in his family's house. There is an instant connection but it seems impossible to bring this small town boy into her world. 

Honestly, this might be a contender for best book of the year. Saying that now. I really, really enjoyed this book. The characters, the humor, the serious tones, the small town, Kevin Bacon the pig....everything. 

Their situation seemed so hopeless because she wants her parent's love SO bad that it would be impossible to bring Daniel into the fold. He's 9 years her senior and he isn't to her parent's standards at all. The answer seems so simple and right there (the author dropped a lot of hints) but just like our lives it is hard to see. 

I also LOVED how the author dealt with Alexis' ex. He was a piece of crap and treated her badly, but there is a small redemption for him. I won't spoil it, but even some "bad guys" can maybe be saved if the "bad guy" does the necessary steps to fix themselves. I loved this so much. 

Gah. I adore this town. I loved Alexis and I have fallen in love with Daniel. He was just so dang sweet and really took care of her. They are so perfect for each other. 

I can't wait to read the next book because it stars Alexis' bestie. She needs love like this after her divorce!!!!

The narrators were fantastic and they literally breathed life into this story. Flawless. 

All-in-all, I really loved this story. I had zero issues and I would listen to it again. I hope the next book is just as good as this one. This had it all. 5 stars from me. 

- Favorite Character(s): Alexis and Daniel

- Least Favorite Character(s): Alexis' father.

 

 Challenge(s):

- Audiobook #22

- Library Love #12

- Romance Reading #16 (Older MC)

Movie Review: The Queen (2006)

Title: The Queen

Length: 1h 43m

Released: 2024

Genre: Biography, Drama
Rating: PG-13
Where I Got It: On the plane

SUMMARY:

After the death of Princess Diana, Queen Elizabeth II struggles with her reaction to a sequence of events nobody could have predicted.

Trailer

REVIEW:

I swore I had watched this movie years and year ago. Some scenes seemed familiar, but it must've been before I started this blog or I just didn't type up a review. 

ANYWAY.

Here we follow Queen Elizabeth II after the death of Princess Diana. We get to see her perspective and that of her family. We also get to see the perspective of the new Prime Minister and his team and family. This event will make or break the crown. 

You have to feel bad for Elizabeth. She is a complex woman and had a complex relationship with Diana. People loved Diana but she wasn't perfect. The same can be said about Elizabeth. She is loved and hated all at the same time. I loved how they portrayed her. Helen Mirren is a treasure and everything she touches is gold *chef kiss*

Like I said, I feel like I watched this movie before. Some scenes felt familiar especially with the deer. The more I think about it....the more I think I watched this with Hubby. Now I feel bad because I never typed up a review from what I find. 

But yes, I really enjoyed this movie and I liked the mixing of real footage with filmed footage. It felt so real. 

I wonder if that scene with the deer really happened. Or was it made up? I should look it up, but in my heart I'll be sad if it was made up.

Again, great cast (especially who played our Queen) and it makes you see how complex these people are. Sure they are royalty, but they are so human.

All-in-all, I'll give this 5 stars. It was really good. It really gives you a nice behind-the-scenes look at such a tragic event. 

Book Review: Magical New Beginnings by Brenda Trim

Author: Brenda Trim

Title: Magical New Beginnings

Series: Midlife Witchery #1

Genre: Urban Fiction, Paranormal Romance, Fantasy, Mystery 

Format: ebook

Pages: 215

Published: November 24, 2020

Where I got It: My shelf (Amazon)

Summary: 

When life goes sideways, embracing the adventure is the fastest way to set things right.

One day I was just a widow facing the prospect of an empty nest, living a life that was anything but enchanted. The next, I had discovered my magical roots, and my rightful place as the Guardian of the portal between the Faery and Earth.

There was shock. And there was fear. After all, no one plans to start over at forty-five. I intended to grow old with my husband. I thought we’d live an ordinary life. So I’ll be damned if I’m going to waste this opportunity to live in a world I always thought was imaginary.

I’m half-witch, half-faery, and facing dangers as real as the ache in my bad knee. Ibuprofen and caffeine keep me going, and I could do this for the rest of my life. Whoever thinks my family home is an easy mark better take notice: the new Guardian in town isn’t going down without a fight.

After all, she’s already learned to let go of her simple existence and believe in the extraordinary power inside of her. What could possibly stop her now?

Review:

I've had my eye on this since it first came out. Forgot about it for a bit and then seen it was free on Amazon recently so I grabbed it!

Here we follow Fiona who is starting a new life after the death of her husband and her grandmother. However, nothing is as it seems. After inheriting the house, she finds that magic is 100% real and she has some huge shoes to fill. She is responsible for guarding this portal between the Faery and Earth. She is new to having these powers so she will have to relay on her new friends to help her. 

I really enjoyed the premise behind this. I especially loved that we have an older set of characters here. The majority of them seem to be 40+ so that is really cool! Rarely do you get a UF or PNR with older characters. Loved it. Plus the whole portal thing was cool!

Fiona was a sweetie. She acted like she was 80 instead of being in her 40s though. It did get annoying....like we get it hon. You can stop. 

I didn't like Bas....the love interest.....maybe in the next book he gets better. I think Fiona could do better if I'm being honest here.

The mystery was interesting enough and it kept me reading on. However, I had issues with the ending. It just ended. You could call it a cliffhanger...sure....but it felt like the author just cut the book in half is selling the other half as book 2. It was just so dang abrupt. 

I also did find myself struggling a bit with reading this. It felt so chunky in places and the pacing was really off. It just didn't flow for me like I would want. 

All-in-all, I did enjoy the premise and the majority of the crew. It was nice and refreshing. I might read book 2 if it is free....someday. I hope book 2 is edited a little bit better and flows better. We shall see. I'll give this 2 stars. 

Favorite Character(s): Fiona

Least Favorite Character(s): Bas

 

 Challenge(s):

- Cloak & Dagger #12

- TBR #5 (Older Couple)