Sally & Harry Sally believes wholeheartedly in romance, the happily ever after and feeling all the fuzzies that go along with love. She saw it every day with her parents until they were tragically killed when she was 16. She grew up quickly and had to take care of her younger sister, Amy, and still continues to do so even though she's an adult. Amy was really annoying me, but I'm happy that she slowly got her act together.
Harry didn't grow up with the best role models as parents, which turned him off to believing love exists. "He knew he wasn't everyone's cup of tea ~ sarcastic, blunt, stubborn, hard headed" me too Harry, me too! But you can’t help but feel bad about what he went through. His parents were pretty awful.
I grew up in the good ole 90's, so the romcom mentions from then were the typical ones. I have never watched When Harry Met Sally, so like, Harry, I had to google the infamous restaurant scene. You won't ever catch me making videos on TikTok, but I've been known to watch some once in awhile. I bet the ones they made would be an adorable hoot to watch.
For every likable character there were just as many unlikable ones, which helped round out the story. It's a little on the longer side, has a cutesy title and fun cover, and I had a great time reading it.
*Thanks to Kathryn Freeman, Harper Collins UK ~ One More Chapter and NetGalley for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
2⭐ Genre ~ fiction Setting ~ New York Publication date ~ December 6, 2022 Est page Count ~ 132 Audio length ~3 hours 56 minutes Narrators ~ Helen Laser, Sue2⭐ Genre ~ fiction Setting ~ New York Publication date ~ December 6, 2022 Est page Count ~ 132 Audio length ~3 hours 56 minutes Narrators ~ Helen Laser, Suehyla El-Attar Young, Frankie Corzo, Phoebe Strole POV ~ multiple 1st Featuring ~ bulimia, references to suicide
I have no clue why this is marketed as horror. Seriously my mind is totally boggled by this. Horror to me is movies like the Saw franchise or Nightmare on Elm Street. Something that's bloody and gory and scares the bejesus outta me and this didn't even come close to making me want to listen with the lights on. I seem to be an outlier here.
Reply Hazy, Try Again Jordan purchases a magic 8 ball. But this isn't like the one I had as a kid, this one gives more interesting answers. I liked this one the most because it seems to lead her to her true destiny.
Bachelorette Natalie's childhood bff, Hayley, is getting married, but there's someone else planning the bachelorette party, someone who thinks they're the bff. The party turns hella weird at the end. If I had to pick this one would be the most horror like one. Probably a good idea to find a new bff.
I related to this one the most. Probably 20 years ago my bff brought a new friend into our mix. This new friend thought she knew MY bff better then I did after like 15 years I had put in already. Here's the story ~ she offered her cinnamon gum. I said she's allergic. New friend says no she's not. I give her my raised brow, like really you're questioning me?, so she asks her...guess what? She's allergic to cinnamon. Peace out newbie.
Goblin Meg is trying to lose weight before she goes to her ex's wedding. Her and her friend download the Goblin app and he's a real thing that comes and swats food out of your hand if it's not healthy for you. This one bugged me the most because this little dude threw out perfectly fine food ~ ranch dip, a chocolate bar, Alfredo sauce....wasteful!
Bad Dolls Mackenzie is back in her hometown after her sisters suicide. There's grief and a creepy doll that I wouldn't want to sleep next to.
Overall, not really for me, but at least it was a quick 4am can't sleep listen. Did I nod off and miss something? Not likely since once my eyes are open I'm usually up until my after dinner couch nap. I would have liked a better title as well because it makes no sense. There is one bad doll and she's in the last story. A title that included all 4 stories would have been better IMO.
Narration notes: Each narrator did a perfectly fine job. Usually I do enjoy when there are multiple narrators, but since this was 4 individual short stories I don't think it was necessary. I can think of many other books that could have greatly benefited from multiple more than this one.
4⭐ Genre ~ holiday fiction Setting ~ England Publication date ~ November 15, 2022 Est page Count ~ 337 (20 chapters) Audio length ~ 10 hours 31 minutes Narr4⭐ Genre ~ holiday fiction Setting ~ England Publication date ~ November 15, 2022 Est page Count ~ 337 (20 chapters) Audio length ~ 10 hours 31 minutes Narrator ~ Kristin Atherton POV ~ single 1st Featuring ~ groundhog day plot, slow burn, childhood crush to losing touch to hello stranger to lovers, no steamage
Heavy on the com, not so much on the rom.
Gwen is spending Christmas with her parents, cousin, who's like a brother, Manny and sister Cerys and her husband, Oliver, and children, Arthur & Artemis. This is something she does every year, but this year she is jobless and single after her cheating tool of a boyfriend gave her the boot.
It's heavy on family shenanigans for sure. First of all Gwen and Manny's relationship was perfect, I enjoyed their bond so much. Oliver was a right twit and Cerys wasn't much better for most of the book, but you slowly warm up to her. Nan, or Myfanwy (what is with that name), was a hoot and just how I'd expect a lady of her age to act with her say it like it is mentality.
There were quite a few Christmas's that Gwen experienced over and over again, luckily we didn't have to live through each one with her and just got highlights on some. My favorite one focused on her dad and watching old home videos. Every few years the hub and I will watch our wedding video and I'll get all emotional since we've since lost so many in the past 18 or so years.
You know who the love interest will be early on, but it's VERY slow burn on the romance, which was fine I suppose. I could've went for a tinsy bit more relationship development. They're in their 30's in case you were wondering.
Overall, it was British witty, which I really enjoyed, and I had a fun time reading it. The epilogue was perfect. It had great Christmas vibes and even though I didn't fit it in before Christmas I'm glad I was able to read it while my tree was still up and before the year was over.
Narration notes: I did not listen to this one, but am just giving the info above for reference.
*Thanks to the author, Sophia @ Harper Collins for the paperback and NetGalley for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
3.5⭐ Genre ~ domestic drama Setting ~ England Publication date ~ February 20, 2024 Est page Count ~ 304 (p+ 67 chapters +e) Audio length ~ 8 hours 14 minut3.5⭐ Genre ~ domestic drama Setting ~ England Publication date ~ February 20, 2024 Est page Count ~ 304 (p+ 67 chapters +e) Audio length ~ 8 hours 14 minutes Narrator ~ Emily Joyce POV ~ dual 3rd Featuring ~ secrets, unlikable characters
Iris and Gabriel are our narrators. They've just come home early from holiday to an unexpected guest. A guest that might very well outstay their welcome.
They met Laure & Pierre on holiday almost 20 years ago and have remained close since. They live in different countries, but have been known to stay in each others houses from time to time.
They meet Esme & Hugh, who live close by, and soon begin hanging out frequently. Joseph lives on their property and does the gardening for both families.
I didn't really like any of the characters really, especially Laure. I'm not one for extended house guests, or any house guests really, so she for sure overstayed her welcome IMO.
It's pretty much a drama and not a thriller. I wasn't sure how they would, but the side plots all came together nicely with the main one. And while I must say the super long (54 minutes and 15 seconds) epilogue did take me by surprise the leading up to it felt like it took an age. Overall, I can see this one being a big hit with mystery lovers.
I was lucky enough to have an ebook and an audio copy. Narration notes: Emily did an okay job. She was frantic when necessary, but I could have went for a male narrator, which is why I did prefer reading over listening. Her accent was a little difficult for me to understand sometimes as it always sounded like she was saying Law and not Laure. Maybe that's just my American ears.
*Thanks to the author, St Martin's Press, Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the ARC and audio copy. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
4.5⭐ Genre ~ contemporary romance, romantic comedy Series ~ Ponderosa Resort Romantic Comedies, #1 Setting ~ Oregon Publication date ~ November 27, 2017 Es4.5⭐ Genre ~ contemporary romance, romantic comedy Series ~ Ponderosa Resort Romantic Comedies, #1 Setting ~ Oregon Publication date ~ November 27, 2017 Est page Count ~ 188 (13 chapters +e) Audio length ~ 4 hours 46 minutes Narrators ~ Nelson Hobbs, Teri Schnaubelt POV ~ dual 1st Featuring ~ small town, military man, veterinarian farmer, minimal steamage
I'm sad this is my last Christmas themed book of the year, but happy I can check another one off the kindle that's been there since December 2021. And I'm happy that I loved it so much!
Jade & Brandon Jade and sister, Amber, own Jingle Bell Reindeer Ranch. How adorable is that? It's a fairly new business that they're trying to get up and running, so they hire Brandon as their Santa. Jade remembers Brandon from high school quite well, but does he remember her and the relentless bullying she went through 13 years ago? Sometimes that stuff is hard to forget.
Brandon is not a big fan of Christmas due to something heartbreaking that happened years ago. He is not the same person he was in high school, I mean who is really? I'm not saying he was awful back then, but now he's so sweet and book boyfriend material for sure. The scenes with his father were really sweet and heartbreaking.
Their chemistry was great. I actually expected a lot more action based on the cover, but there wasn't that much steamage and that was totally fine for them. It was a bit quick on the feelings though.
There was a little mystery to solve, some funny moments and some hard hitting ones to round out this delightful Christmas season read. Adding some reindeer trivia was a nice touch. Their Christmas gifts to each other were just perfect. Definitely recommend.
Narration notes: I did not listen to this one, but am just giving the info above for reference.
3.5⭐ Genre ~ holiday romance Series ~ Reeves Family Billionaires, #1 Setting ~ not sure Publication date ~ 2021 Est page Count ~ 61 (9 chapters +e) POV ~ du3.5⭐ Genre ~ holiday romance Series ~ Reeves Family Billionaires, #1 Setting ~ not sure Publication date ~ 2021 Est page Count ~ 61 (9 chapters +e) POV ~ dual 1st Featuring ~ billionaire, minimal steamage
Another holiday read I can check off my list that I acquired back in February 2021.
It all started with coffee for Nic & Stacy.
Stacy was super sweet and such a generous soul even though she could really use the money herself. I liked that Nic wasn't a cocky billionaire, but more of a non flashy one. I was a bit frustrated with him in the sneak peak of the next book ~ Valentine's Day Vacation ~where their story continues.
There are two great side characters, but of course it also has to have a skank that needed a good throat punch.
Overall, a quick one that took me less time to read then it did for my hub to prepare the dough for our Christmas Day sticky buns.
Side note ~ not really Christmasy, but just takes place at the holiday parties towards the end where the tree is decorated.
3.75⭐ Genre ~ holiday fiction Setting ~ California & Utah ~ 1967 Publication date ~ November 22, 2022 Est page Count ~ 189 (p+ 36 chapters +e) Audio lengt3.75⭐ Genre ~ holiday fiction Setting ~ California & Utah ~ 1967 Publication date ~ November 22, 2022 Est page Count ~ 189 (p+ 36 chapters +e) Audio length ~ 3 hours 35 minutes Narrator ~ the author POV ~ single 1st Featuring ~death of family member, grief, references to suicide
Saw a few of my friends review this author's Christmas books recently, so I figured I'd give this one a whirl. What a coincidence that I chose to listen to this one today while I was laying in bed with a migraine and Richard's mother was always in bed with one.
Richard tells us about the loss of his brother while in the Vietnam war, his parents divorce, bullying he endures at school and a friendship he made with the kind gentleman next door.
I can't say I was blown away as it's rather depressing, but I did enjoy hearing about his friendship with Mr. Foster, what a sad backstory he had. I was surprised when I realized this was fiction because it reads as if it's non-fiction. I might give another of his books a go someday.
Narration notes: The author did a perfectly fine job narrating.
1⭐ Genre ~ romance Setting ~ no idea Publication date ~ 2019 Est page Count ~ 85 (12 chapters) POV ~ dual 1st Featuring ~ forbidden love, off limits, age ga1⭐ Genre ~ romance Setting ~ no idea Publication date ~ 2019 Est page Count ~ 85 (12 chapters) POV ~ dual 1st Featuring ~ forbidden love, off limits, age gap (40 & 20), best friends daughter, father's best friend, virgin, curvy girl, insta~love, minimal steamage
*spoilers and rant ahead*
Yet another one I put on my kindle back in December 2020 that I most definitely wouldn't have put on there recently because it's a big nope. It was probably free so that's my excuse.
Bastian & Holly She's had a crush on him for a while. He's been in love with her since she turned 18, like instantly he felt it when she became legal, but never said anything until she practically threw herself at him when she's 20.
I don't mind an age gap, but Holly was SO immature. Maybe I'll take my future age gap books more like 30/40, or 30/50 would maybe even be fine. I can appreciate her making the first move and I do feel like she was realistically written for her lack of experience ~ her hands shake, she stutters when she's nervous, but can I please get a somewhat realistic first time? It does not just slide in there nicely and where's the condom please. AND she was drunk just an hour ago, but all of the sudden she's stone cold sober and knows what she's doing, unacceptable. Let's wake up regretful while we're at it. You've been waiting ages for it to happen and it finally does and now all you can think about is your father. Buzz kill.
This bugged me too ~ they were at a charity benefit and as a surprise he's created the Barbara Halliday Foundation in honor of Holly's mom who died of breast cancer. That's great and all, but why wasn't Holly's dad, his BFF, there who still hasn't been able to move on from her? Rude.
Please stop calling your father Daddy. And don't call him Uncle anymore. And ewww with sharing a toothbrush.
BTW ~ Daddy didn't give one hootenanny about the situation at all....my father woulda thrown a hot fit as would my husband. And not only are we instantly in love, but we're engaged a half a minute later, please.
Not as Christmasy as I thought it would be either. There's a small bit of her decorating and they drink eggnog...that's it. Oh wait, her name is Holly Halliday and he calls her Sugar Plum, even Littlest Sugar Plum when she was younger, so I guess that's supposed to count. Let me just go throw up now with that nickname.
I don't want this to be a total negative fest, so it didn't take me too long to read it and I liked the end and how he was a great father with their 3 year old daughter, which was 7 years after they first got together, so I guess no worries from the first time with no condom.
I don't see it on Amazon any longer, so if you fancied it you're outta luck.
2⭐ Genre ~ humorous fiction Setting ~ England Publication date ~ November 16, 2013 Est page Count ~ 73 (5 chapters) POV ~ single 1st
There are only 3 days l2⭐ Genre ~ humorous fiction Setting ~ England Publication date ~ November 16, 2013 Est page Count ~ 73 (5 chapters) POV ~ single 1st
There are only 3 days left until Christmas so I'm on a mad dash to clear my kindle of as many Christmas themed books before they have to stay on there another year. This one's been hanging around since December 2020.
Matt is a 27 year old virgin and he vows to rectify that situation by Christmas day.
The 3 prospects to help him go from blue to his normal skin color are: Tara ~ who he meets on the site FishInTheSea.com. I don't even know what to say about their encounter, just weird. Hayley ~ a good friend who might feel more for him then he does for her. Quite an ouch moment in this one. Mercedes ~ an overly festive lady of night.
Will one of these ladies help him get the deed done or will it be another blue Christmas?
My reading tastes have changed a bit since I got this, so not sure if I would have rated it differently had I read it 3 years ago. Honesty I probably got this one because of the title. There were some funny bits, but overall this was an odd one. Now I can delete it.
3.5⭐ Genre ~ domestic thriller Setting ~ Arden Hills (maybe New Hampshire) Publication date ~ January 23, 2023 Est page Count ~ 336 (then 56 chapters +now3.5⭐ Genre ~ domestic thriller Setting ~ Arden Hills (maybe New Hampshire) Publication date ~ January 23, 2023 Est page Count ~ 336 (then 56 chapters +now) Audio length ~ 10 hours 15 minutes Narrator ~ Karissa Vacker POV ~ multiple 3rd Featuring ~ dual timeline ~ then and now, murder, infidelity, child abuse
Emma, Juliette/JJ & Daphne's parents were murdered in their home 14 years ago and the house has been sitting vacant since. The sisters are estranged and the case was never solved. Some of the small town folks think Emma did it, but Emma and husband, Nathan, have fallen on hard times and decide to live there since it's free.
None of the characters were particularly likable in either the present or the past. I figured Nathan was going to be exactly who he was and frankly I'm tired of these husbands and their crap.
Overall, it was pretty predictable with a run of the mill plot. I suppose I liked it well enough, but I was bugged by when in the then timeline things were said like; on a Saturday afternoon less than 12 hours before their parents will be shot to death..., 2 months more of less before she..., 9 hours before she tells the 911 operator her parents are dead. You get my drift. This would be fine if they were having flashbacks, but the story seems to be told as they are living it in the then, so I don't like it. Now I'm wondering if it was written as a sort of heading in the actual book? Please someone confirm that has read it. I suppose if so then that would be fine~ish. BTW ~ this didn't affect my review, just pointing it out.
I enjoyed Kate's debut more than her 2nd adult novel, but will for sure read her next one.
Narration notes: A wonderful job done as usual. There was a slight, yet noticeable, distinction between the sisters voices.
*Thanks to the author, Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the audio copy. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
3.5⭐ Genre ~ friendship fiction Series ~ more on this below Setting ~ Scotland Publication date ~ January 5, 2024 Est page Count ~ 319 (p+ 33 chapters +e) A3.5⭐ Genre ~ friendship fiction Series ~ more on this below Setting ~ Scotland Publication date ~ January 5, 2024 Est page Count ~ 319 (p+ 33 chapters +e) Audio length ~ 9 hours 54 minutes Narrator ~ Helen McAlpine POV ~ multiple 3rd Featuring ~ second chance at happiness, unknown cheating, no steamage
We follow 4 main characters for a 24 hour period.
Odette is gearing up for her last day on set after 40 years being the leading lady on a soap opera. It took a while to realize how her story line would tie in.
Tress & Noah are both wonderful characters that are bonded by the past discretion's of their former spouses. They have become best friends and their relationship was lovely to see. I wanted more of them than I got.
Keli is Noah's sister who has been hiding a secret for months. I enjoyed this plot the best and the unlikely friendship with Laurie.
Okay so all in all I did enjoy how the various plots all finally came together. It was a little slow getting there and I wasn't sure how they would, but they did so quite nicely. I'm a fan of multiple POV's, but in this case I thought it took too long to get back to the person's POV that I had just grown curious what would happen next for. Since I had to wait and slog through 3 other people's chapters first I had to think back and try to remember where we left off when we finally came full circle.
Also, since the whole book takes place in one day I thought there was some extra unnecessary information ~ for instance I don't really care about Noah's friend, Cheska's, whole work bio at all. I would have much preferred some flashbacks of Tress and Noah and how close they became over the past year for some page filler.
Shoutout to Nancy, Val, Yvie and Glinda for being the best side characters I might have ever read. A true delight these 4 were.
Again, I did enjoy it and I know this will surely appeal to the many...I mean it says right on the cover it's a million copy bestseller.
Series notes: It's not listed as a series for some reason, but I think it's best to read One Day With You first. There is a bit of a refresher, but this is the aftermath for the 2 characters from that one.
Narration notes: I did not listen to this one, but am just giving the info above for reference.
*Thanks to the author and NetGalley for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
2.75⭐ Genre ~ domestic thriller Setting ~ New Zealand Publication date ~ August 11, 2021 Est page Count ~ 337 (p+ 39 chapters +e) Audio length ~ 10 hours 42.75⭐ Genre ~ domestic thriller Setting ~ New Zealand Publication date ~ August 11, 2021 Est page Count ~ 337 (p+ 39 chapters +e) Audio length ~ 10 hours 44 minutes Narrator ~ Sarah Mollo-Christensen POV ~ single 1st, present tense Featuring ~ 2 part story, ex-military, paramedic, voyeurism, infidelity, secrets, lies, references to miscarriage, infertility
*possible spoilers ahead*
Lina & Cain have been struggling financially, so when they learn their friends have been renting their home out and making a pretty penny they decide to do the same. I like the idea of renting out a home that you don't use that often to help pay your bills, however I wasn't feeling Cain saying they'll go out to a fancy dinner after the first booking when they have $8k in debt to pay off, dumb.
I had a really hard time getting behind her cheating on her hub in order to get pregnant. And lie after lie after lie, ugh too many. Should you really be married if you can't be honest with each other? I think not. As bad as this will sound I could have went for more of the voyeurism and less on their marital woes and her work side plots. And I thank you for your service and sacrifice sir, but there was too much PTSD talk for me.
Anyway, it was a pretty action packed, fast paced predictable ride, yet still slow moving if that makes sense. Every last character was unlikable. I liked how some chapter endings had comments from the voyeurs. I suppose I enjoyed it for the most part, minus those few niggles, but what the ever loving with that ending?
The hub listened to this one too, so get ready for his in depth review: Bored in the beginning, but enjoyed it overall.
Narration notes: Took me a hot minute to get used to her accent, but I didn't hate her male voices. She did a great job. Properly frantic when necessary.
3⭐ Genre ~ friendship fiction Setting ~ England Publication date ~ November 16, 2023 Est page Count ~334 POV ~ multiple 3rd Featuring ~ characters in their3⭐ Genre ~ friendship fiction Setting ~ England Publication date ~ November 16, 2023 Est page Count ~334 POV ~ multiple 3rd Featuring ~ characters in their late 70's, a second chance at happiness
I love the author's dedication ~ "For my grandma Elsie (1917-2023) who lived to be 106 and my nanna Violet (1907-2007) who lived to be 100. They both showed us all how much you can achieve in later life."
Molly & Janice are next door neighbors who began hanging out in their gardens together as a way to get some fresh air and avoid loneliness, especially during the pandemic.
There's plenty to love about this story: ~ 2 widowed older ladies passing their days in like company ~ how each were independent, yet sometimes you just need someone looking in on you to make sure all is okay and recognizing when it's not ~ how Molly found a companion in Poppy ~ how making the first move can lead to a second chance at happiness ~ the animal adventure they went on which led to something special ~ Molly and her 21 year old granddaughter, Bethany's, relationship was beautiful. This was my favorite part of the book as it really made me miss my grandma.
While I did think this was overall a lovely story of friendship I did find it a bit redundant in their daily discussions about the weather and what they each did when not in the other's presence. I do think this will appeal to those that are looking for a lighter, comforting read.
*Thanks to the author and Rachel's Random Resources for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
2⭐ Genre ~ holiday drama Publication date ~ November 22, 2016 Est page Count ~ seems to only be available in audio form Audio length ~ 2 hours 7 minutes Na2⭐ Genre ~ holiday drama Publication date ~ November 22, 2016 Est page Count ~ seems to only be available in audio form Audio length ~ 2 hours 7 minutes Narrators ~ various
Found this one on Libby while looking for Christmas titles. The blurb made it seem like it'd be relatable. I do have a modern day working husband, I am a lovely wife and we have a teenager. And I know for a fact my hub would not be thrilled about a surprise visit from his in-laws during Christmas time. I mean who likes surprise visits to begin with, not me that's for sure. John's father in law is not very likable and quite rude to John, so no wonder he doesn't want him there. His mother in law is showing signs of forgetfulness.
This was just a bunch of chaos as we follow this family around. To the grocery story, to the movies, to get a tree, etc. There's frustration and yelling, but a litle kindness, too. Overall, I don't recommend it.
Narration notes: A full cast narration with side effects, background noise and singing to keep you engaged. There's even snoring when all John wants to do is take a snooze on his beloved recliner.
4⭐ Genre ~ mystery Setting ~ Colorado, North Carolina Publication date ~ January 9, 2024 Est page Count ~ 281 (p+ 17 chapters + letters +e) Audio length ~ 4⭐ Genre ~ mystery Setting ~ Colorado, North Carolina Publication date ~ January 9, 2024 Est page Count ~ 281 (p+ 17 chapters + letters +e) Audio length ~ 8 hours 20 minutes Narrators ~ Dan Bittner, Eliza Foss, John Pirhalla, Patti Murin POV ~ multiple 1st Featuring ~ family drama, greed, domestic abuse, secrets, revenge, slow burn
Cam wants nothing to do with his inheritance or the infamous Ashby House. His wife, Jules, convinces him to visit the estate after another death in the family 10 years later. Ruby tells us her life story ~ the good, the bad and the ugly ~ through letters. These were my favorite parts of the book.
A juicy plot where secrets are plenty and family drama is high. It was a bit of a slow burn, but it kept me engaged and entertained and had a few nice zingers.
Side note ~ I don't know if I noticed this more because I listened to it with my daughter, but holy moly there is an abundance of swearing. F bombing to the max.
I was fortunate enough to have both a kindle and an audio copy, both were equally enjoyable.
Narration notes: Yay for 4! They all did a lovely job. I don't have any complaints.
*Thanks to the author, St Martin's Press, Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the ARC and audio copy. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
3.25⭐ Genre ~ holiday novella Series ~ Snowflake Falls #2 Setting ~ not sure, but I don't think the USA with spellings like tyre and humour Publication da3.25⭐ Genre ~ holiday novella Series ~ Snowflake Falls #2 Setting ~ not sure, but I don't think the USA with spellings like tyre and humour Publication date ~ December 4, 2020 Est page Count ~ 52 (8 chapters +e) POV ~ dual 1st, present tense Featuring ~ small town, neighbors, insta love, second chance, minimal steamage
Had this one waiting since December 2020, so I figured I might as well read book 2 right after book 1.
Neva & Elden Neva is back in her hometown after a breakup and getting fired. Elden is still pissed about her standing him up back in high school, so he's not to thrilled when he sees her at the train station freezing her bazookas off waiting for a ride.
Overall, this was fine. I liked it better than the last book. We have a smidgen of drama with the ex and a sleazeball Santa to round out this quick one.
Side note ~ I obviously have not been in every elevator ever constructed, but I have never seen one with a bench. Is that common in the UK or only for this book for some steamage time? And if so, are they located in the middle or against the wall?
2.5⭐ Genre ~ holiday novella Series ~ Snowflake Falls #1 Setting ~ no clue what state we're in, or even if in the USA Publication date ~ November 20, 20202.5⭐ Genre ~ holiday novella Series ~ Snowflake Falls #1 Setting ~ no clue what state we're in, or even if in the USA Publication date ~ November 20, 2020 Est page Count ~ 47 (10 chapters +e) POV ~ dual 1st, present tense Featuring ~ neighbors, small town, insta love, very minimal steamage
Working my way through Christmas books already on my kindle ~ this one's been there since January 2021.
Hollee & Tannen She is a big fan of Christmas and goes all out every year. He's not a fan at all but perhaps the new curvy hottie next door can change his mind.
I really enjoyed Hollee's relationship with her brother, Noel. Yup, Hollee and Noel...their parents really love Christmas apparently. I wonder what their names are ~ Carol and Nick? Mary and Joseph? Angel and Angelo?
Overall, this was fine and Christmasy, but I was hoping that since it's only 47 pages we wouldn't have any drama, but not the case. We've got an ex that causes drama which leads to false accusations with way too quick forgiveness, and first time 'I'm clean' no condom use...you literally met a day and a half ago. I guess it's hard to say no if his abs look anything like the cover models.
2⭐ Genre ~ holiday essays Publication date ~ book ~ October 26, 2012, audio ~ November 27, 2012 Est page Count ~ 31 Audio length ~ 28 minutes Narrator ~ th2⭐ Genre ~ holiday essays Publication date ~ book ~ October 26, 2012, audio ~ November 27, 2012 Est page Count ~ 31 Audio length ~ 28 minutes Narrator ~ the authors POV ~ dual 1st
I'm a mother to a daughter and a daughter to a mother and I'm a fan of Lisa's fiction writing, so I figured I'd give this one a whirl. And the cute dog on the cover is what really got me clicking the borrow button on Libby. I'm sad to report that the dog does not participate in the story at all, not even a woof. There's a quick mention of shopping for him, lame.
7 essays titled: Thanksgiving, Holiday Guilt, Thank You, Busy Signal, Twas the Night Before, Lisa Hits the Eggnog & And Many Happy Returns.
The only one I really enjoyed was Thanksgiving which talks about how they invited their 80 year old neighbor, Harry, over to spend the day with them, so he wasn't lonely. That's a really sweet thing to do.
Wasn't interested in how they choose shopping over plumbing needs or last minute online shopping snafus. I suppose it was nice that she thanked our service men and women a few times, but are any of them really going to hear it by reading this book, not likely. I did find the talk of blockbuster and busy signals nostalgic since I'm old enough to know what those are.
Overall, my heart was certainly not warmed by their tales. I will warm it myself and share hot chocolate with my own daughter after she gets home from school later.
3⭐ Genre ~ children's fiction for ages 4-9 Setting ~ NYC Publication date ~ October 2, 2018 Est page Count ~ 32 Audio length ~ 16 minutes Narrator ~ George 3⭐ Genre ~ children's fiction for ages 4-9 Setting ~ NYC Publication date ~ October 2, 2018 Est page Count ~ 32 Audio length ~ 16 minutes Narrator ~ George Newbern
Gave Libby a peruse at 4:16 am for some Christmas audios in hopes of lulling me back to sleep. I figured I could spare 16 minutes while I stare in the dark tossing and turning with nothing better to do since I've never read it, or watched the movie for that matter, and 'tis the season.
Susan doesn't believe in Santa. She meets Kris Kringle who is adamant that he is indeed really Santa Clause. Will she and others in the city believe him?
So this was alright. Maybe I would have liked it better had I read the classic from 1945, or even watched the movie from 1947. I'm guessing this was true to the original just cut down into a children's version. Did they really take Santa to court to prove he was real? Have I missed out and really do need to watch the movie? Let me know if I need to fit it among The Polar Express, Elf and A Christmas Story this season.
Narration notes: I've listened to George many times in adult fiction and he always does a great job. This one has side effects that give the story a little extra pizzazz, which would surely be a fun listen for the kiddos, whether they believe or not.
Here's a fun fact I found on Wikipedia: The inspiration for the story, about a disillusioned woman, her skeptical daughter and a mysterious man who believes he is the real Santa Claus, came when Valentine Davies was standing in line at a big department store during the Christmas season.
4.25⭐ Genre ~ contemporary romance Series ~ Spade Hotel #1 Setting ~ Hawaii & Los Angeles, California Publication date ~ December 28, 2023 Est page Count ~4.25⭐ Genre ~ contemporary romance Series ~ Spade Hotel #1 Setting ~ Hawaii & Los Angeles, California Publication date ~ December 28, 2023 Est page Count ~ 396 (26 chapters) Audio length ~ 10 hours Narrator ~ Savannah Peachwood, Tor Thom POV ~ dual 1st Featuring ~ characters in their 20's, fast burn ~ then kinda slow burn, one night stand, billionaire, college student, rich man/poor woman, age gap (27 & 22), opposites attract, alpha, secrets, lack of communication, plenty of steamage, no 3rd act breakup
Macon & Brooklyn Macon is at a club for a bachelor party when he's drawn to the tiny dancer on a stage. Initially she's not feeling him, but very soon she realizes she can't resist his charms, so they head out to the party bus to get very well acquainted with each other.
Holy Maconator, so perfectly alpha and obsessed (not creepily) with her right from the start. He falls first, too. Although a billionaire, he's not overly billionaire~ish, except for that one time he flew her on a private jet to get the best sushi on the island.
Brooklyn was super smart, hardworking and passionate about her ideas to save the hotel money. I'm all about saving money and she had some good ideas, although probably already implemented in real life. I liked how, besides that first encounter, she doesn't give in so easily and plays a little hard to get, which throws Macon off since he's not used to that at all.
My only harp is that I really wish they didn't keep their secrets from each other for so long. They weren't even really that big of a whoop, hers especially. But at least we don't have a 3rd act breakup, so that makes up for it.
Overall, a great start to a new series and just what I'd expect from Marni. I love that we got a glimpse of the Dalton's from her previous series that I loved so much. See my reviews for all 5 of those books here.
I was lucky enough to have the ebook and an audio copy.
Narration notes: Savannah did a lovely job. Tor was great, too, more so with his man voice than his lady one.
*Thanks to the author, Valentine PR, Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for the ARC and audio copy. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Heather Adores Books
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Books:
2023
(362)
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