So this week’s Bachelor opens on a weird note. Joey is Montreal. We get his monologue while he looks out over scenic views, saying that his biggest fear is that he won’t wind up in a relationship at the end of the show. Then he says, “I’m trying to do my best to show who I am and express how I feel, but it’s just hard to do that while also being more fun and being … Continue reading Elyse Watches The Bachelor–S28 E6: Everyone Needs a Nap →
I live about three hours north of Chicago, and every few months my friends and I do a “food run,” where we pick up all the delicious noms we cannot get here–food from the Super H-Mart, Lou Malnati’s pizzas, matzo ball soup from my favorite deli, etc. This trip we added in a stop the The Last Chapter Bookshop in Roscoe Village. First of all, and perhaps most importantly, I was immediately happy when I … Continue reading Elyse Goes to The Last Chapter Bookshop →
I think I wouldn’t have been so disappointed in The Star and the Strange Moon had the premise not been so intriguing. This book had the potential to be so excellent, but the pacing was all over the place and most of the novel just dragged on while the best parts felt rushed. In 1968, French-American actress Gemma Turner’s career was struggling. She’s starred in surfer movies that while popular aren’t exactly critically acclaimed. Now … Continue reading The Star and the Strange Moon by Constance Sayers →
So we open back in Malta at the Pre Dreaded Rose Ceremony where Maria is crying. There was beef between Sydney and Maria (that appeared to be manufactured entirely by Sydney). Joey sent Sydney home, but now Lea has taken over having pretend drama with Maria. None of this makes any sense by the way. Don’t try to think about it too hard. Then it’s time for the Dreaded Rose Ceremony. Maria has a date … Continue reading Elyse Watches The Bachelor–S28 E5: My Heart is in My Ass →
We open with a shot of Sydney and Maria sitting on the deck of a boat while dramatic, ominous music plays in the background. If you didn’t know they’d be set up as rivals, it would be a fair assumption to make here that Joey got eaten by a shark. He did not. We are not that lucky. We’re on to the international travel portion of the show, with the gang going to Malta, where … Continue reading Elyse Watches The Bachelor–S28 E4: The Sausage Wheel →
This episode jumps right into it, so I’m doing the same thing. We start off with a group date. The women are brought to a theater where the words Mrs. Right are on light up in the back. Some of the contestants from The Golden Bachelor are there too: April, Susan, Kathy and Nancy, the ASKN ladies. They were all friends, but had a falling out after this cameo I guess? I didn’t watch The Golden Bachelor … Continue reading Elyse Watches The Bachelor–S28 E3: Pool Party Sponsored by KFC →
I would just The Bitchery to know that I am postponing reading House of Flame and Shadow to recap this. That’s how much I love you all. We open with Joey (who is a tennis coach) playing tennis with Jesse. Much to my surprise, neither of them are shirtless. We start with a group date and it’s the same stupid date we get every single season where the women dress up like brides. Could we get … Continue reading Elyse Watches The Bachelor–S28 E2: Beef with Michael Bolton →
My husband, Rich, wanted me to wait until he got home to recap this episode because said the first episode is always the best one. That’s like picking the best turd out of the litterbox. In case this is your first time reading one of my recaps I have a theory regarding The Bachelor. No one wants to win this show. You want to stay on it long enough to enjoy the free booze, free travel, … Continue reading Elyse Watches The Bachelor–S28 E1: Even Canada Says No…Thanks →
A Fragile Enchantment is a gentle, cozy fantasy romance (I refuse to use the word romantasy–you can’t make me), and it’s perfect for anyone looking for a romance that’s got a solid conflict, but isn’t angsty. I loved this book. This book is like being wrapped up in a blanket that just came out of the dryer. This book is like drinking the perfect cup of tea while watching it snow outside, knowing you don’t … Continue reading A Fragile Enchantment by Alison Saft →
The Ladies Rewrite the Rules is a “proper,” traditional Regency novel that reminds me of something I might have read years ago from a category line. The heat level stops at smooching and we don’t get a ton of angst or conflict. If you’re looking for a more modern voice (like Sarah MacLean vs Georgette Heyer) this isn’t the book for you. Maxwell Dean is a second son who publishes a booklet identifying wealthy widows … Continue reading The Ladies Rewrite the Rules by Suzanne Allain →
It’s the fifth night of Hanukkah, and this giveaway was created by Elyse, who knows all types of crafty ways to make sure people are warm and cozy. Before I turn this over to Elyse, my Hanukkah wishes for you tonight include the softest yarns, the most delicious snacks, and the very coziest socks. Take it away, Elyse! Elyse: The holidays are upon us! That means, for me anyway, a couple of looooong dreary winter … Continue reading Hanukkah 2023 Night 5: A Crafting Collection! →
