Review

This was the first book I have read by author Nicci French, (which for the record I found out later is actually a husband and wife team writing under one pen name), and it will probably be the last. 

Sometimes publishers randomly send me things they think I would like to review.  Sometimes I look at the book and wonder what the hell they were thinking, but that is beside the point.

Losing You has been sitting on my TBR shelf for a while.  I am definitely a fan of a good psychological thriller when I am in the right mood, but in this case the mood was there, the good thriller was not.

The tagline promises heart-pounding from the first page.  Having finished the book I did look on Amazon, and there are actually a surprisingly large amount of positive editorial reviews, all praising this thrilling adventure.  I seriously have to wonder if I was reading the same book.

The story is slow, even allowing for scene-setting (which I understand as this is set in a little island off the English coastline), but once the drama starts, it just seems to flail about, never really allowing the reader to get a good grasp on what's supposed to be happening.

If that wasn't bad enough, even pushing this away from a thriller, and out into fantasy land, I fail to see how this could work.  For me 90% of the choices made, both writing and story were not good.  Annoyingly I did care enough to want to know Charlie's fate, but some of that could be because by the halfway point I knew this review was going to be on the unfavorable side and this would either help redeem it, or, as what actually happened, just let it sink entirely. 

I don't know if anyone has read any of "Nicci French's" other works? But this was a big no from me and a sad 1 1/2 stars.

Review

You may have seen a couple of previous reviews from me for Mandy M Roth's books, (The most recent one can be seen here).  The series I have read have been written with humor, nods to the 80's, are paranormal, and remind me a lot of Kristen Painter's books (which anyone who knows me knows that is a GOOD thing!).

This book was chosen a little differently than my normal selections.  I had just finished a horrendous book (an assigned review from InDTale magazine - when the August edition comes out I am sure you will be able to figure out which one it was), and I needed a palate cleanser!  Usually I will go for one of my favorite rereads, a book I guarantee will make me smile, and most importantly have accurately based research.  It was the "research" part that actually inspired me to grab this little gem off my shelf.  The few books I have read by Mandy are immaculately researched, down to the finest detail, and that was what I needed.

With that in mind I reached for "Don't Stop Bewitching", which is actually the first book in the Happily Everlasting series, and having read book 3, already I decided to jump in. 

I personally didn't enjoy this one quite as much as "Do You Really Want To Hurt Me", but that isn't to say it wasn't a great read.  I wasn't in the best head space, and the other book was packed full of 80's references, and had Luc, which gave it a bit of an unfair advantage. That being said this has some hilarious characters, be sure to pay attention to BlackBeard, and the book definitely did what I needed it to and let me escape back to something that made me happy.

With this being the first in the series, there is a lot more background information that I think most readers would agree was a good thing.  For me, the initial journey, whilst having funny moments, was definitely outshone by what happened after they arrived at their destination. 

A solid 4 stars from me - and definitely a recommendation for readers that love a little light, funny, paranormal romance.  

GIVEAWAY (Plus rules and disclaimers)!

As stated in the title, there is also a Giveaway! I have a signed, paperback copy of Don't Stop Bewitching to giveaway to one lucky winner. 

To enter all you have to do is leave a comment ON THIS BLOG POST, letting me know if you have read any of Mandy M. Roth's books or not.  That's it!

***UPDATE FROM ORIGINAL POST***

Mandy saw this post and reached out to me on Facebook and offered to add an AMAZING extra bunch of prizes. 

The Prizes Now Include - 

The original signed book prize - Now with eCopies of the other 2 books in the series!
4 sets of eBooks of all 3 books in the series.
15 eCopies of Don’t Stop Bewitching.

20 winners will be selected randomly Wednesday July 8th and posted here on the blog post.  Having read one of Mandy's books will not increase your chances of winning, winner will be random, but it will increase your enjoyment level so I highly recommend it lol.

Prize provided by Mandy M Roth but being sent out by Me.  This is open internationally with the understanding that due to Covid there may be a delay on shipping depending on the regulations in place for the winners address.  Void where prohibited.  Sharing is always appreciated but is in no way required. 

Thanking Mandy on her page is also appreciated but not required.  You can find her on Facebook here -https://www.facebook.com/AuthorMandyRoth/.

​Another Picture Of The Prize.

Hey everyone!  So it has been a couple of weeks since we were able to have a Facebook Live Show and I am very sorry to announce that I am going to have to cancel the show for tomorrow (June 21st) as well.    

Whatever is going on with me is still going on - and is interfering with all things life related which is why you have probably noticed that there haven't been any blog posts, vlogs, or very much on the page either.  For those that have been checking in, sending me messages, leaving comments etc - PLEASE know I appreciate every single one of them.  I might not always be able to respond to everything - especially as Facebook is not always phone friendly, but I DO see them!  I especially loved all the suggestions for what you would use to "Summon Me"!

Hopefully this is on its way out and things will return to their normal regularly scheduled craziness. 

In other news I have been using some of this downtime making plans, including some exciting new vlog ideas!  Some of them will be based on the things that we have been watching.  If you haven't guessed from all the gifs  - Schitt's Creek is definitely high on that list.  AGAIN - if you haven't watched that show it is a MUST WATCH from me. 

As for viewing / reading that's been going on.  There has been very little reading which is sad, but we did watch Doctor Sleep, which is based on a book, so that sort of counts right?  For those that don't know, it is the follow up to The Shining and continues Danny's story (and more) years later.  I have read that people don't feel it is necessary to watch The Shining beforehand, but I think a lot would be missed for those that didn't.  There are numerous nods to the original (and sadly some pretty dodgy casting - but just pretend that's not there lol).  Overall I have to say Em and I really enjoyed it - Greg thought it was OK.

For TV - Em and I are still working through Buffy (first time through them all for her), interspersed with random documentaries, and cheesy movies such as Bring it On! Feel free to leave movie suggestions below!

Greg and I are still working our way through Doc Martin although we are on Season 5 and I seem to hate EVERYBODY at various points (except one of the aunts).  It seems to be amusing Greg anyway.

And on my own I am watching random UK shows suggested by Acorn TV and Prime.  I watched a 3 part mini-series with an evil David Tennant called Secret Smile, and am now watching an older series called Wire in the Blood.  Both are worth checking out!

Can't wait to chat with you all on Live about these shows, like I said I really hope we will be back to normal next week!

And finally - in case you missed it on the page - I had a lovely MailCall this week with a Vincent Pop Doll from Jennifer Rhodes Cleere! Over on the Facebook page  there is a post where you can share your newest POP, or an old favorite.  I love to see what everyone else has been getting! 

For those that are interested in what other POPS I have -  You can see my Updated list of my POPS HERE!

Thank you again for your support!

Hey Musers!  As I have been talking about the awesome office space that Emily has been helping me create I thought you might like a little tour! 

Before anyone asks - YES I do have a LOT of Funko Pops - you can see the FULL list HERE (There are some stacked behind others - Some live up in Emily's Room - and a couple live in our basement)

If you have an questions, as I say in the video, feel free to ask in the comments - or just share your thoughts about any of it! 

ENJOY!