Half Light

Half Light by Tayari Jones
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Heartfelt story about the bonds of family, and importance of maintaining connection. Good narration.

Finally!

Photo Credit: Jill Rock

 Have wanted to paint my nails for years, so, when a friend offered to assist a while back, I finally did. Really like the way they came out. Don't know if I'll ever do them again, but at least I can put a check mark on the list.

My Boy!

 

Photo Credit: Jill Rock

Took these recently. Love how he looks like he's contemplating the mysteries of the universe in one, and telling me to fuck off in the other. He's always felt things so deep. :-)

Beautiful!

 Photo Credit: Jill Rock

Took these from my bedroom window early in the morning a while back. Love how they came out.

These Summer Storms

These Summer Storms by Sarah MacLean
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

No doubt this is going to be one of my favorites of the year, if not all time. Funny, raw, real. Kind of absolutely perfect. Unforgettable. Goes without saying that narration is flawless.

After Dark

After Dark by Minka Kent
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Will catch you from the very beginning, and keep you positively gripped until the end, when everything falls apart. I understand an antagonist not getting full comeuppance happens sometimes, but this is ridiculous. Absolutely no consequences for anything that happens. What a disappointment. Great performances.

Quote Of The Moment…

 "I tell everything, then go home and suffer."
-Mary (From The Musical Merrily We Roll Along)

Grateful: My Long, Strange Trip...to the WWE Hall of Fame

Grateful: My Long, Strange Trip...to the WWE Hall of Fame by Eric Bischoff
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Saw this in my Audible recommendations, and figured I would check it out. A decent listen, but everything has a rose tint to it, if you know what I mean. Enjoyable overall, with a few nuggets I hadn't heard. Decent narration.

Let The Dead Sleep

Let the Dead Sleep by Michael Wood
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Great mystery/thriller that kept me guessing. An awesome performance only enhances enjoyment.

Beautiful Bloom!

 Photo Credit: Latisha Todman

 Christmas cactus bloomed recently, and thought I would share. So pretty. So vibrant.

The First to Die at the End

The First to Die at the End by Adam Silvera
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Didn't get me as much as the first one, but still an emotional listen. Uneven narration.

In Five Years

In Five Years by Rebecca Serle
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Unspeakably beautiful; almost painfully so. This book found its way to me exactly when I needed it. It will live with me forever. Perfect. Good narration.

September 22, 2022: As perfect as the first reading.

March 2, 2026: Been a while since I listened to this beautiful book, and the impact is always the same. Just absolutely beautiful, and life affirming.

Still Life 2

My thoughts, after completing a second playthrough. Being completely honest, there isn't much redeemable here. Constant unnecessary backtracking, inexcusably horrible voice acting, absurdly nonsensical, unnecessarily difficult puzzles, and an unsatisfying ending. Funnily enough, those things also provide a fair bit of humor, and some genuinely laugh out loud moments along the way. Is that enough to waste your time? Definitely not. Steer clear of this one.

We Used to Live Here

We Used to Live Here by Marcus Kliewer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Holy sh*t! What a ride! Took a while to catch me, but didn't let go once it did. Talk about unexpected twists. Won't soon forget it, and hope a sequel is in the works. Good performances.

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The Ravine: A Novel

The Ravine: A Novel by Maia Chance
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Incredibly creepy. Really like the supernatural element. Think I will check out more books by this author. Good narration.

Something Like Daybreak

Something Like Daybreak by Jay Bell
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Don't think I'll ever be able to find words to express what I'm feeling writing this, One of the most beautiful books I will ever read/listen to. I went through every emotion within 51 minutes. My god. To be reunited with these characters is an incredible gift. Thank you, Jay Bell. Great narration.

Happy Birthday To The Greatest Star!

Happy 84th birthday, Barbra! Timeless in beauty, class, and talent. A constant inspiration, and a once-in-a-lifetime queen.

Quote Of The Moment…

 "You can't sideline a long time for a good time."

-Latisha Todman

11!

Photo Credit: Jill Rock

 Can't believe it has been eleven years since Oliver came home to stay. I met him the day before, but the lady  I got him from took him back to give him a bath, and make him a little more presentable. Remember being so excited that night I don't think I slept at all. It's been an incredible eleven years, and I wouldn't change one thing. Couldn't ask for a sweeter, more loyal best friend. Here's to many many more years.

Makes Perfect Sense To Me…

 

The Death and Life of Dominick Davidner (Middle Falls Time Travel, #3)

The Death and Life of Dominick Davidner by Shawn Inmon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This one got me right in the heart. I want a love like this. Unforgettable. Good narration.

Quote Of The Moment…

 "When love is the answer, it doesn't matter what the question was."
-Carrie (From The Book The Death And Life Of Dominick Davidner)

The Redemption of Michael Hollister (Middle Falls Time Travel, #2)

The Redemption of Michael Hollister by Shawn Inmon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What to say about this book? If I'm being honest, I was nervous to see how Michael would be redeemed, and hoped it was in believable fashion. Happy to report it is, and that this book, and series as a whole thus far, is going to stay with me for a long time. So grateful that I found this author, and cannot wait to continue this amazing journey. Good narration.

Woman Down

Woman Down by Colleen Hoover
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Quite the mixed bag this one. Absolutely love the mystery in the beginning, and the end wraps everything up satisfyingly. My problem is the middle. Way too much sex for my taste. I know I'm not the target audience, but it bordered on gratuitous. Even excusing that, I don't like an indecisive, weak main character. Something just didn't completely click for me. Great narration.

Quote Of The Moment…

 "Grace does not require amnesia."

-Savannah Chrisley

Quote Of The Moment…

 "I don't dabble, I dominate."

-Anita to Anastasia

A Play For Love

A Play for Love by Trilina Pucci
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This was just okay. Had some cute moments, but felt kind of forced. Good performances.

Second Act Romance

Second Act Romance by Julie Soto
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I love any story with musicals as a backdrop. Sweet, funny, and fluffy. Nothing revolutionary, but definitely enjoyable. Good performances.

Time Will Tell

Time Will Tell by Hannah Bonam-Young
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Adorable, sweet, and all other sticky words. Surprisingly poignant as well. Actually got a little emotional with the way everything wrapped up. Fabulous performances.

Quote Of The Moment…

 "No one is illegal on stolen land."
-Billie Eilish

Fake News…

Quote Of The Moment…

 "Love is why grief exists."

-Unknown

Accidentally Yours

Accidentally Yours by Christina Lauren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Predictably adorable. Smiled quite a few times while listening. Good performances.

Dark Matter

Dark Matter by Blake Crouch
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wish I could give it ten stars. Am quite sure this is going to be one of, if not my favorite audiobook of the year. Definitely going to stay with me. Perfect performance.

Mercy

Mercy by Peter Bradshaw
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Quick, dark, funny listen. Good narration.

Quote Of The Moment…

 "Any sociopath with a trust fund can by themselves a humanitarian reputation."
-Vanessa to Lolly

The 101 Dalmatians

The 101 Dalmatians by Dodie Smith
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sweet, cute animal adventure. Fantastic performance.

Quote Of The Moment…

 "Life works out to be more beautiful than tragic."
-Chris Sullivan

Quote Of The Moment…

 "Love, in its extraordinary way, makes ordinary miracles, every blessed day."
-Ordinary Miracles-Barbra Streisand

Tell Me What You Did

Tell Me What You Did by Carter Wilson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Gripping and twisty. Very enjoyable listen, with great performances.

Quote Of The Moment…

"The deep grooves of the past don't have to chart the course of the future."
-Poe Webb (From The Book Tell Me What You Did)

Zero In (Nameless: Season Two #6)

Zero In by Dean Koontz
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Awesome end to a great series. Good narration

1/25/2026: Fitting, enjoyable ending. Wouldn't mind seeing all these characters revived somehow. Could be fun.

Corkscrew (Nameless: Season Two #5) Corkscrew (Nameless: Season Two #5)

Corkscrew by Dean Koontz
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Getting closer to the end now. Excited to see what's going to happen. Hope it's a fitting end. Decent narration.

1/25/2026: Terrifying. Leading into the end well.

Light Has Weight, but Darkness Does Not (Nameless: Season Two #4)

Light Has Weight, but Darkness Does Not by Dean Koontz
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Another enjoyable installment. Good narration.

1/25/2026: More pieces coming together. Definitely keeping me hooked.

Kaleidoscope (Nameless: Season Two #3)

Kaleidoscope by Dean Koontz
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Another great installment. Can't wait to see what the end game is. Good narration.

1/25/2026: Getting closer and closer to the end. Have a feeling that it's going to be catastrophic. Love that Nameless is always on the right side of history. Am just afraid everything is going to catch up with him. On to the next audiobook.

Gentle Is the Angel of Death (Nameless: Season Two #2)

Gentle Is the Angel of Death by Dean Koontz
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a horrible, evil main character. So glad he got what he deserved. Great story. Good narration.

1/23/2026: Absolutely love evil people getting what they deserve. In my opinion, this vile creature got off easy.

Accurate!

The Lost Soul of the City (Nameless: Season Two #1)

The Lost Soul of the City by Dean Koontz
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Not as good as the others, but still enjoyable. I'm curious to continue the journey. Decent narration.

1/22/2026: I agree with my original review. This one didn't catch me like the others. A good listen, but missing some of the magic and intrigued I've become accustomed to with this series.

Memories of Tomorrow (Nameless, #6)

Memories of Tomorrow by Dean Koontz
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Perfect end to an unforgettable series.

1/20/2026: I echo the review above. Good narration.

The Mercy of Snakes (Nameless, #5)

The Mercy of Snakes by Dean Koontz
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Yet another superb episode. Absolutely cannot wait to see how it all ends.

1/20/2026: Didn't enjoy this one as much as the others, but still kept my attention. Excited to see what's next.

Red Rain (Nameless, #4)

Red Rain by Dean Koontz
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another great installment. More is coming to light, piece by piece.

1/20/2026: Another terrifying, satisfying adventure. Good narration.

The Praying Mantis Bride (Nameless, #3)

The Praying Mantis Bride by Dean Koontz
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Super dark, but very enjoyable.

1/19/2026: I echo my original review, and add that I would like a full-length novel detailing the events told in the flashbacks of this tale. Good narration.

Quote Of The Moment…

 "Denial endures because it soothes."
-Nameless (From The Nameless Audiobook Series)

Thoughts…

Okay, so I know I haven't posted a lot of BTG content. As much as I love the show, storylines don't exactly move at a clip. In most instances, what I just said would be considered a good thing. There's absolutely nothing wrong with a slow burn. Problem is when the entire show has that philosophy, and where still waiting for payoffs from storylines started in the debut week.

Let me be perfectly clear, while pacing is definitely an issue, performances, (generally speaking), are not. It's obvious that everyone involved is doing their absolute best to keep viewers coming back. All kudos to the people running the ship behind the curtain as well. Fantastic job. Funny, this wasn't where my original post was going. Let me get back on track.

Along the same lines of waiting unnecessarily long for payoffs that don't seem to be coming, there has to be a concerted effort to create more of a character balance. Those who have read this blog know that I absolutely hate when one particular character eats a show. In this case, Dana Leslie Thomas.

I absolutely adore Trisha Mann-Grant, but Leslie desperately needs a trip to the back burner. She has her nose in every story, and is yet to suffer repercussions or consequences for anything she's done. How much longer can the Laura/Leslie/attempted murder situation dangle without resolution? Ridiculous! Don't have the inclination at the moment, but I could go on about the need for Leslie to get what's coming to her for six or seven more paragraphs without even trying. Something has to be done. My advice? Sooner rather than later, before the audience starts exiting stage left.

All right, that last sentence was a little dramatic. Forgive me. Let me end by talking about aspects of the show I'm enjoying. The Anita/cancer storyline, and Tamara Tunie's performance are top shelf. So much so that it's difficult to watch at times. Dani and Andre, while in need of a bit more depth, are still adorable, and worth rooting for. It seems to be taking forever, but I can't wait to see how Hayley's plot plays out. Marquita Goings is doing a bangup job.

That's all for now folks. Will try to post more consistently.
 

Photographing the Dead (Nameless, #2)

Photographing the Dead by Dean Koontz
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The twisty, dark, fascinating journey continues. Good narration.

Snowy Tree With A Twist!

 

Photo Credit: Latisha Todman

 Love how the flash disrupts the picture in a beautiful way.

In the Heart of the Fire (Nameless, #1)

In the Heart of the Fire by Dean Koontz
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Love it even more than I did reading it on my Kindle the first time. Fascinating, complex characters, and great narration. Cannot wait to continue this dark ride.

Quote Of The Moment…

 "Beauty lies in imperfections."
-Rowan (From The Eden Book Series)

Rebels Of Eden

Rebels of Eden: A Novel by Joey Graceffa
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Would give it 10 stars if I could! The perfect end to an incredible series. Absolutely unforgettable perfection. Great narration.

1/18/2026: Beautiful, poignant, thought-provoking, scarily timely. Perfect ending to a wonderful series.

Quote Of The Moment…

 "So many things can go wrong between promise and fulfillment."
-Rowan (From The Eden Book Series)

Quote Of The Moment…

 "If will and dreams could bring success, I would be a hero."
-Rowan (From The Eden Book Series)

Shadows Of Cacti!

Photo Credit: Latisha Todman

 Saw this shadow my cacti was casting, and thought it was really cool. Wasn't sure if the picture would come out, but glad it did. 

Elites of Eden

Elites of Eden by Joey Graceffa
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Second book just as amazing as the first. Love everything about this world. Great narration.

1/17/2026: The journey continues, with satisfying twists and turns that I don't remember from the other times I read/listened. So good. Can't wait to see how it ends.