To the surprise of no one, my recent burst of blogging productivity tapered off lol But I'm happy that I'm reading again and got a in a few full length reviews!
I'm falling way behind again though, so I thought I would do a quick update of all the things!
LIFE
If you remember my health care app saga (I had no access to my Dr, RX's, appointments on my app for over a year. I called. And called. And called. Just to keep getting IT case #'s and no response. Kevin had talked to a Kaiser rep about an unrelated matter and the guy told him that it was an app issue. They were trying to enhance the app but broke the whole thing instead but won't tell anyone. So, I gave up and guess what??? 2 months later they fixed it! I have full access now and even ordered my refill through the app. The only thing I can't access, oddly enough, is billing and I don't care about that lol.
The next thing, if you recall, is my dissolving ECCO shoes. Kevin filled out all the paperwork and sent them back & they gave me a $100 credit. Not bad for older shoes with no receipt. All their shoes are fairly expensive though ($200+) and honestly, I just don't trust them anymore. You can only use the credit on more shoes, so I'm keeping my eyes on the sale page and will hopefully find something that doesn't cost me any additional money.
Fall has arrived right on cue - like a switch being flipped. The rain, wind and cold are here and I am instantly drained of joy and energy lol I enjoy fall things but cold, rainy weather depletes me.
READING
Stars in Your Eyes by Kacen Callender (audio - ALC copy provided in exchange for an honest review)- 2 lead actors are forced into a fake relationship to help save the indie film project they are working on, thanks to Logan's bad boy persona. But Matty inlocks another side to Logan and things become too real. CW for this one - child abuse, rape, drug use, suicidal ideation, homophobia, PTSD < I really liked this one. It really handled trauma, healing and finding your own path sensitively. It was not your typical cliche bad boy, all sex M/M romance.
The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy by Megan Bannen - I've been struggling with romances lately but this one really hit the spot! I loved their chemistry - a enemies to lovers vibe but both are mature about it. The magical world, the family of undertakers, and supporting cast were all great. Hart is the most cinnamon roll of a grumpy hero & Mercy was a confident, snarky ray of sunshine.
Liked:
New Adult by Timothy Janovsky (audio - ALC copy provided in exchange for an honest review) - 13 Going on 30 vibe - upstart comedian, Nolan Baker is frustrated by his lack of success, lack of support for his career from family, and by his unrequited crush on best friend Drew. Enter a few magical crystals at his sisters cult like company (a running gag aimed at Gweneth Paltrow's GOOP - I think it was named Dupe?? I can' remember but it rhymed with GOOP) and Nolan gets exactly what he wished for - he's 30 years old and a successful comedian, with all the fame and money he could ask for. But at what cost? This was a lot of fun - light, good message, a touch of magic.
The Honeymoon Crashers by Christina Lauren (audible exclusive) - a cute short story for after The Unhoneymooners. Ami is determined to plan the ultimate, inexpensive, curse free wedding in Maui, for her sister Olive and finance Ethan (from the Unhoneymooners. She's forced to work with surfer dude vibes, best man, Brod,y and all her well laid plans go off the rails as she learns to relax and fall in love.
Ehh:
Funny Guy by Emma Barry - I struggled right from the start with this one. Sam is a comedian on a hit sketch show (think SNL) and self destructs on a regular basis, always going to his safe harbor and best friend Bree. During his latest antics, Bree is given a job opportunity that will take her away from NYC and Sam. Fearing his abandonments issues, she's reluctant to tell him and its' excruciating to finally let go of her love for him since it isn't returned in that way. Except...it might be? I love Barry's writing and I felt, for sure, she could guide me past some of Sam's selfish, bad boy stuff and root for a getting stronger Bree. However, they have such an unhealthy dynamic that I didn't think was ever truly addressed other than - they fell in love so it was no longer an issue.
DNF:
Divinity 36 by Gail Carriger - Carriger's books are always a little offbeat and I usually enjoy them even if I don't 100% get them but I am completely lost with this one. There are so many new terms and concepts always being thrown and me and I...just don't get it. There's a barista - Phex -who lives on one of the moons and alien hears him sing and wants to make him a God. And I think there's some sort of reality show competition for it? I don't know - I don't get it lol
What she does do really well, is write these sweet, found family, quirky, gender fluid type stories and if that's your jam then I say give it a go! I might pick it back up at a later date and see if I connect to it better.
WATCHED:
Afterparty S2 on Apple+ - dragged a bit but I like how it ended
What We Do in the Shadows on FX - loved this season!
Ahsoka on Disney+ - not bad.
No One Will Save You on Hulu - Kevin and I liked this one! It's about an alien invasion from the point of one girl living alone, in the woods. The movie is almost completely dialogue free. Not everything is 100% explained but I really loved how it ended.
Netflix - Bombshell: The Hedy Lamarr Story - sad but interesting, Dolly Parton: Here I Am doc - I feel like they left a ton of personal stuff out (her philanthropy, theme parks - probably by her choice) but good.
Speaking of - I LOVE this cover of What's Up by 4 Non Blondes (ft. Linda Perry) for Dolly's upcoming rock album.