Winner's Trilogy by Marie Rutkoski

The Winner's Curse
Mr Grumpy Gills. I love him.
Arin doing Kestrel's hair. Heart eyes. Heart eyes. Heart eyes.
384 Pages

The Winner's Crime
The miscommunication and misunderstandings and incorrect assumptions really make the angst taste great. And the yearning and the hatred mixed together. Depth.
416 Pages

The Winner's Kiss
Is the situation that Arin and Kestrel are in at the beginning of the story, like, one of my favorite hyper-specific tropes. Yes. I don't know what it says about me yet, but that's for therapy.
LOTR moths gif
486 Pages

August Books!

 

Centuries before the events of A Game of Thrones, House Targaryen—the only family of dragonlords to survive the Doom of Valyria—took up residence on Dragonstone. Fire and Blood begins their tale with the legendary Aegon the Conqueror, creator of the Iron Throne, and goes on to recount the generations of Targaryens who fought to hold that iconic seat, all the way up to the civil war that nearly tore their dynasty apart.

pages: 719

The story concerns Anne Elliot, a young Englishwoman of 27 years, whose family moves to lower their expenses and reduce their debt by renting their home to an Admiral and his wife. The wife's brother, Captain Frederick Wentworth, was engaged to Anne in 1806, but the engagement was broken when Anne was persuaded by her friends and family to end their relationship. Anne and Captain Wentworth, both single and unattached, meet again after a seven-year separation, setting the scene for many humorous encounters as well as a second, well-considered chance at love and marriage for Anne in her second bloom.

Pages: 249

A Special Memoir for a Special Moment in Hollywood History . . .

Some Like It Hot occupies a unique place in American culture. This beloved classic showcases five comic geniuses: Tony Curtis, Jack Lemmon, I. A. L. Diamond, Billy Wilder, and Marilyn Monroe. It has been honored by the American Film Institute as the "Funniest Film of All Time". It has contributed quotes, styles, and stories to film lore. 

Pages: 248

December list

Gareth St. Clair is in a bind. His father, who detests him, is determined to beggar the St. Clair estates and ruin his inheritance. Gareth's sole bequest is an old family diary, which may or may not contain the secrets of his past... and the key to his future. The problem is—it's written in Italian, of which Gareth speaks not a word.

All the ton agreed: there was no one quite like Hyacinth Bridgerton. She's fiendishly smart, devilishly outspoken, and according to Gareth, probably best in small doses. But there's something about her—something charming and vexing—that grabs him and won't quite let go...

Or don't. But rest assured, he's spinning in his grave when Gareth and Hyacinth cross paths at the annual—and annually discordant—Smythe-Smith musicale. To Hyacinth, Gareth's every word seems a dare, and she offers to translate his diary, even though her Italian is slightly less than perfect. But as they delve into the mysterious text, they discover that the answers they seek lie not in the diary, but in each other... and that there is nothing as simple—or as complicated—as a single, perfect kiss.

pages: 384

Unlike most men of his acquaintance, Gregory Bridgerton believes in true love. And he is convinced that when he finds the woman of his dreams, he will know in an instant that she is the one. And that is exactly what happened. Except...

She wasn't the one. In fact, the ravishing Miss Hermione Watson is in love with another. But her best friend, the ever-practical Lady Lucinda Abernathy, wants to save Hermione from a disastrous alliance, so she offers to help Gregory win her over. But in the process, Lucy falls in love. With Gregory! Except...

Lucy is engaged. And her uncle is not inclined to let her back out of the betrothal, even once Gregory comes to his senses and realizes that it is Lucy, with her sharp wit and sunny smile, who makes his heart sing. And now, on the way to the wedding, Gregory must risk everything to ensure that when it comes time to kiss the bride, he is the only man standing at the altar... 

pages: 371

For as long as she can remember, Evangeline Fox has believed in true love and happy endings...until she learns that the love of her life will marry another.

Desperate to stop the wedding and to heal her wounded heart, Evangeline strikes a deal with the charismatic but wicked Prince of Hearts. In exchange for his help, he asks for three kisses, to be given at the time and place of his choosing.

But after Evangeline’s first promised kiss, she learns that bargaining with an immortal is a dangerous game—and that the Prince of Hearts wants far more from her than she’d pledged. He has plans for Evangeline, plans that will either end in the greatest happily ever after or the most exquisite tragedy….

pages: 408

When it comes to relationships, thirty-four-year-old Kate Turner is ready to say "Bah, humbug." The sleepy town of Blexford, England, isn't exactly brimming with prospects, and anyway, Kate's found fulfillment in her career as a designer, and in her delicious side job baking for her old friend Matt's neighborhood café. But then her best friend signs her up for a dating agency that promises to help singles find love before the holidays. Twenty-three days until Christmas. Twelve dates with twelve different men. The odds must finally be in her favor . . . right?

Yet with each new date more disastrous than the one before--and the whole town keeping tabs on her misadventures--Kate must remind herself that sometimes love, like mistletoe, shows up where it's least expected. And maybe, just maybe, it's been right under her nose all along.

pages: 320

An Offer from a Gentleman by Julia Quinn

 

It's Benedict's turn to find his love and I'm here for it. Sophie is a great character and I loved that she stood up for herself and took care of herself. And anytime I get to see Violet Bridgerton is a treat. 

Pages: 390

AUDIBLE FREEBIES AND ORIGINALS

The Christmas Hirelings by Mary Elizabeth Braddon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I received the audiobook free from Audible, and honestly, the best thing about this story is the narration by Richard Amitage, which is 5 stars. I'm going to have to listen to more books by him.

The story itself isn't bad, more like 3 stars to me, which is why I have compromised at 4. This story has some wit/humor/irony, which is nice. It's also sweet and charming, and I wouldn't have known it was originally published in 1894 if I hadn't looked it up. I think it does a great job standing the test of time, as far as storytelling goes. I especially like that it was written by a woman, considering the time in which it was published.

It's definitely a strange concept--let's hire some children to pamper at Christmas--but that keeps it interesting, since it's a bit predictable.

Pages: 261

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Christmas Eve, 1914 by Charles Olivier
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was an audible freebie, and as a performance, it was excellent and heartfelt. It quickly captured the setting and the emotions of war, which made the story a success. It definitely has a feel good element, which can be hard to find in war stories.

Pages: 60

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Twain’s Feast by Audible Originals
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This Audible original was so random, in the most fascinating and delightful sort of way. It was not at all what I expected, but I definitely enjoyed the commentary on Mark Twain, food, race, and environmental issues. I didn't expect to get all of that out of this short listen, but it really delivered.

Pages: 5

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Zero G by Dan Wells
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is an absolutely adorable MG sci-fi story that was recorded as an Audible original. The narration is fantastic and includes multiple narrators, as well as sound effects.

It tackles important science concepts in simple ways, and it would be a great way to introduce children and/or reluctant adults to the sci-fi genre, specifically space sci-fi. I usually like to learn while I read without feeling like I’m being taught a lesson, so that is my only minor, extremely minor complaint. I let it go, because there is a lot of science-y stuff that people should understand to enjoy the story and setting more.

This has some cultural diversity, a defective cryogenic freezing chamber, a humorous talking navigation system, and an argumentative pirate family. Does it get any better than that?

I love this, and I received it free from Audible (even better!). They are doing a great job with creating originals, and I look forward to receiving two free ones every month.

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The Most Wonderful Tales of the Year: Holiday Memories Written and Performed by Our Favorite Narrators by Jonathan Davis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Audible narrators shared their favorite holiday memories in 2016. This is good, because it was free. Also, the narrators are excellent to listen to (especially if you want to explore some new voices), and they share some diverse memories and traditions. I actually liked hearing about the lives of the narrators, as you rarely think about the person behind the voice.

It is a little bit random, but I like that. It’s great to hear personal stories and memories from personal voices, even if some narrators are not the best writers. Honestly, there is nothing here that is just spectacular, in terms of storytelling, but it’s a bit nostalgic, like listening to an older relative talk about the past.

Also, it was the delightful price of FREE, so thank you, Audible. 3 stars for content +1 star for a free Christmas present.

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The X-Files: Cold Cases by Joe Harris
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Well, this is a fun Audible original, but I’m obviously biased by how much I love the X-Files. Now I want to go back and rewatch the whole series. I wonder if I can get it on Netflix. It has been more than a decade since I’ve watched it.

The best thing about this one is the production, with a full cast of narrators (some from the show itself), as well as sound effects. It revisits some of the cold cases that I still remember after all these years, which is fun, as I already have visuals in mind for what is happening.

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I'm From the Sun: The Gustafer Yellowgold Story by Morgan Taylor
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What a weird, trippy, creative production, which I got free from Audible. The songs are catchy. This is humorous. If I didn't know it was for kids, I would wonder how many drugs were consumed in the creation of this unique masterpiece of charm and ridiculousness. I'm sure the answer is none, which means Morgan Taylor is apparently very creative and thinks outside the box.

Doctor Who: Pest Control by Peter Anghelies

Doctor Who: Pest Control by Peter Anghelies

3.5/5

2hrs 26mins (no print version)

The TARDIS is lost in battle on a distant planet. When the Doctor sets off in pursuit, Donna is left behind, and finds herself accepting a commission in the Pioneer Corps. Something is transforming soldiers into monstrous beetles, and she could be the next victim. Meanwhile, the Doctor steals a motorbike and stages a jailbreak. Well, how hard can it be to find the TARDIS, rescue Donna, and negotiate a peace? But that’s before the arrival of a brutal and remorseless mechanical exterminator, bent on wiping out the insects. It may be that nothing can stop it, because this robot’s solution for the infestation is very simple: kill everything. Featuring the Doctor and Donna, as played by David Tennant and Catherine Tate in the hit series from BBC Television, this story has been written specially for audio, and is read by David Tennant.

This story was okay.  It's your basic "what do humans do when colonizing a planet with an already existing population" - and we all know how that goes.  It leans toward the ridiculous as there are centaurs and giant bugs and even more giant pest control robots.  But - David Tennant, once again, ROCKS.  I may just listen to everything he narrates, just because he's so good.

Yes.  Yes, you are, sir.

Doctor Who Novels: Dead Air by James Goss and Stone Rose by Jacqueline Rayner

Dead Air by James Goss

5/5

1 hr 11 mins (no print version)

Hot on the heels of a creature that exists through sound, the Doctor lands on a pirate radio station boat in the late 1960s. The creature has already killed some of the DJs, and the Doctor befriends the survivors. But then the lights go out, and a desperate race for survival begins. Who can the Doctor trust in the dark?

I love when a tv/fan/movie/spin-off book is done right - and this one is Done Right.  I had the same roller coaster feelings and tense apprehension that the show gives me.  Worth every minute.  And of course, bonus points for it being read by David Tennant.  That man does no wrong.

Stone Rose by Jacqueline Rayner

4/5

249 pages

Mickey is startled to find a statue of Rose in a museum a statue that is 2,000 years old. The Doctor realizes that this means the TARDIS will shortly take them to Ancient Rome, but when it does, he and Rose soon have more on their minds than sculpture.

While the Doctor searches for a missing boy, Rose befriends a girl who claims to know the future a girl whose predictions are surprisingly accurate. But then the Doctor stumbles on the hideous truth behind the statue of Rose and Rose herself learns that you have to be very careful what you wish for.

Still good.  Still David Tennant (who does no wrong).  This story just wasn't as gripping as Dead Air.

Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail by Cheryl Strayed

Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail by Cheryl Strayed
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Gilmore Girls made me read this, and they never lead me astray. This book, in equal parts, makes me want to hike the Pacific Crest Trail, AND it makes me NEVER want to hike the Pacific Crest Trail, which is the perfect combo.

The audiobook version, read by Bernadette Dunne, is excellent.

Plus, it probably should be noted that sometimes I don't take well to nonfiction, particularly to memoirs that progress like fiction novels . I will read some of them, on occasion, and I will love some of them, on occasion. The love is rare enough that I typically hesitate to pick them up, so anytime one of them speaks to me, its a definite win.

Pages: 315

The Cellist of Sarajevo by Steven Galloway; Read by Gareth Armstrong

Most people probably remember bits and pieces about the Bosnian War of the 1990s.  The mass killings of Bosnian Muslim men and boys, the rapes of Bosnian Muslim women, and the failure of the U.N. to intercede.  In the Cellist of Sarajevo, Galloway takes us into the lives of four citizens of Sarajevo during the war.  An anonymous cello player decides to play every day for each of the 22 people killed in a mortar attack on a street market. A young sniper called Arrow is assigned to keep him alive. Kenan must make a day long trek across the city, dodging snipers and mortar attacks, to get water for his family and neighbor.  Dragan spends hours trying to make it across the street without getting shot. Each must grapple with the choice between cowering and acting.  These glimpses into wartime life are accompanied in the audiobook by haunting cello music. 235 pages. Unabridged audiobook. 5 hours and 33 minutes.