3.75⭐ Genre ~ contemporary romance Series ~ The Donovans: Sweetbriar Ridge, #2 Others in the series ~ Loving You Setting ~ Virginia Publication date ~ Marc3.75⭐ Genre ~ contemporary romance Series ~ The Donovans: Sweetbriar Ridge, #2 Others in the series ~ Loving You Setting ~ Virginia Publication date ~ March 26, 2024 Est page Count ~ 300 (16 chapters +e) Audio length ~ 7 hours 52 minutes Narrator ~ Carly Robins POV ~ dual 3rd Featuring ~ hair stylist, firefighter, smalltown, close proximity, neighbors to lovers, no steamage
Ashlynn & Reid went to high school together, but meet again at their best friends's engagement party years later. She's not too thrilled to see him, but perhaps he can charm his way into her life again.
As you can read from the blurb there's some drama when she's accused of arson, which doesn't bode well for Reid as the newbie at the fire department. Does he handle it well? Initially yes, but then nope. Does he eventually redeem himself in a hilarious manner? Sure does.
Overall, I enjoyed this one. Reid's a pretty sweet guy. Ashlynn was fine, but I'm not feeling the added drama with her parents, which I have a feeling with continue to carry over into the rest of the series.
Series notes: This series follows siblings, so I suggest reading them in order so that you can familiarize yourself with the family and know who's who and what's what. If you want to go above and beyond read The Donovans: Laurel Bay series first since this series is a spin off from that one.
Narration notes: Carly does a great job, but it's not a shocker that I'd like a male narrator too.
*Thanks to the author, Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for the audio copy. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
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*
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 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*
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*
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*
3.75⭐ Genre ~ psychological thriller Setting ~ South Carolina Publication date ~ book ~ October 31, 2023, audio ~ December 26, 2023 Est page Count ~ 206 (3.75⭐ Genre ~ psychological thriller Setting ~ South Carolina Publication date ~ book ~ October 31, 2023, audio ~ December 26, 2023 Est page Count ~ 206 (27 chapters) Audio length ~ 5 hours 4 minutes Narrator ~ Mara Wilson POV ~ single 1st, present tense Featuring ~ abduction, stalker, assault, dark, disturbing, survival
Mari is an author that has received an enticing email. She'll soon learn that responding to it will be one of the biggest mistakes of her life when her captor starts taking pages out of her own disturbing books.
Does Mari make the best choices when she's fighting for her life? Not really, but who knows what we'd do if we were in the same circumstance...let's hope we don't have to find out. Her last ditch effort to save herself was a nice touch.
Fast paced and suspenseful with a nice twist I really didn't see coming, so woo hoo for that.
Narration notes: I feel that Mara could have been slightly more frantic in some parts, but overall fine.
*Thanks to the author, Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
4⭐ Genre ~ historical fiction Setting ~ California, Vietnam, Virginia, Montana Publication date ~ February 6, 2024 Est page Count ~ 480 (35 chapters) Audio4⭐ Genre ~ historical fiction Setting ~ California, Vietnam, Virginia, Montana Publication date ~ February 6, 2024 Est page Count ~ 480 (35 chapters) Audio length ~ 14 hours 57 minutes Narrator ~ Julia Whelan POV ~ single 3rd Featuring ~ nurse, sexism, some graphic scenes, death, miscarriage, PTSD, reckless behavior, substance abuse, suicide attempt, infidelity
Part 1 ~ 1966 ~ California & Vietnam 21 year old Frankie is missing her brother after he heads off to Vietnam with the navy. She enlists with the Army since they're the only branch that will get her over there quickly. This part is full on war and all the chaos that it entails.
Oh Frankie, I salute you for your service, but not for your decision making when it comes to men.
Part 2 ~ 1971 ~ 1982 ~Virginia & California & Montana She has completed her tours and is understandably having a tough time. It really dives deep into how getting back into civilian life is not easy to do. She joins the protests. She tries to look for support, but gets turned away for being a woman and not having actually been in combat. Her journey to get her mental health in check is a long one, but eventually she gets there and uses her experience perfectly in the end.
It was really hard to listen to her father disrespect her time and time again, but different times I suppose. The friendships she made with Ethel and Barb were ones to last a lifetime as they each know what the other has lived through. They'd drop everything to be by her side when she needed them the most (not sure how they were able to get to her so quickly, cuz it's fiction I guess).
Overall, as expected, it was well researched, but I do think this could have been cut down quite a bit.
Narration notes: A superb job as usual. She really brought the story to life.
*Thanks to the author, Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the audio copy. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
4⭐ Genre ~ contemporary romance Series ~ Cold Springs #2 Others in the series ~ The Wrong Bridesmaid #1 Setting ~ Cold Springs (not sure what state we're 4⭐ Genre ~ contemporary romance Series ~ Cold Springs #2 Others in the series ~ The Wrong Bridesmaid #1 Setting ~ Cold Springs (not sure what state we're in, but I think it's on the East Coast) Publication date ~ December 12, 2023 Est page Count ~ 285 (p+ 28 chapters +e) Audio length ~ 10 hours 10 minutes Narrators ~ CJ Bloom, Ryan West POV ~ dual 1st Featuring ~ small town, lawyer, construction worker, fast burn to slow burn, miscommunication, second chance, some steamage, no 3rd act breakup
The prologue starts us off with a bang (literally) with Jesse & Wren in a friends with benefits situation. and then nada for a bit.
We've met the awful Jed already, who is Wren's uncle and Jesse's boss and currently going through a divorce because he cheated on wife, Chrissy, with a much younger lady who is now pregnant. Why am I telling you all this, well because this takes up a big part of the book, more so then the actual romance, which I really wish wasn't the case because I really liked these two. Jesse & Wren, not Jed & Chrissy because they were both a hot mess.
Jesse is a possessive, jealous, yet sweet alpha, and I loved him. He's a foreman at a construction company and cared so much about his guys. I was mad at him though for acting like he wasn't worthy of Wren because of his job. Hello, where would we be without blue collar workers? We wouldn't have a house to live in for one. And all the muscles from all the labor is not necessarily a bad thing either.
Wren is the towns's lawyer and really showed her smarts and skills to do what's best for her small town. She's fierce, strong and independent. I could have went without the other man drama with Chrissy's lawyer, Oliver, but I suppose the story wouldn't be complete without it.
Like I said above the divorce is a big part of the book, but when these two were on page the chemistry was burning my kindle. There is the dreaded miscommunication, but that's dealt with pretty early, so we didn't wait around too long for them to get their act together, speaking of act...no 3rd act breakup, hallelujah ...more
3.25⭐ Genre ~ contemporary romance Series ~ Cold Springs #1 Others in the series ~ The Wrong Guy Setting ~ Cold Springs (not sure what state we're in, but3.25⭐ Genre ~ contemporary romance Series ~ Cold Springs #1 Others in the series ~ The Wrong Guy Setting ~ Cold Springs (not sure what state we're in, but I think it's on the East Coast and there's a y'all thrown in once in a while) Publication date ~ October 25, 2022 Est page Count ~ 296 (26 chapters +e) Audio length ~ 9 hours 28 minutes Narrators ~ CJ Bloom, Teddy Hamilton POV ~ dual 1st, present tense Featuring ~ best man/maid of honor, small town, opposites attract, slow burn, minimal steamage, no 3rd act breakup
Wyatt & Hazel Wyatt is back in the hometown that he left years ago to be the best man in his brothers wedding. He'll be in and out in a matter of days, or will he? Hazel is a hometown girl and best friends with the bride.
What bugged me the most about this one was that everyone judged Wyatt based on his family. I hate that. Just because his family is awful doesn't automatically mean he is. His Uncle Jed is trying to redevelop the small town. I liked that the whole town came together against this, but there was a bit too much emphasis on this as the plot and not on the budding relationship between the MC's, which is what I would have liked more. I liked Wyatt as a person. Once he decided he wasn't leaving town he was all in.
Hazel is a sassy one. She's wants nothing to do with a Ford, but doesn't seem to be able to deny her attraction to him. I liked her relationship with her family. And I'd really like to be able to taste a bacon and candied pecan topped cupcake.
Most lovable side characters: ~ the bride and groom, Avery & Winston, were so adorable. I kinda wish they had their own book, but it's too late now. ~ Avery's grandpa, Joe, was a feisty fella ~ Lester, the foul mouthed bird, was a hoot
Most in-between love and hate side characters and things: ~ Charlene was crass, but still somewhat funny ~ the name of the burgers (more towards hate with this) ~ the whole reasoning Hazel's family hates Jed is fine for a couple of years, but still 30 years later is a bit too long for me ~ pretty slow burn for most of it, then wham with the feelings
Most hateable side characters: ~ Jed ~ Rachel, the other bridemaid, was a little too aggressive for me ~ Cara, the wedding planner, was annoying and rude
Overall, this is middle of the road for me. But can I get a whoop whoop for no 3rd act breakup.
Narration notes: I did not listen to this one, but am just giving the info above for reference.
*Thanks to the author, Montlake and NetGalley for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
3.5⭐ Genre ~ psychological thriller Series ~ The Doctor's Wife, #3 Others in the series ~ The Doctor’s Wife, The Doctor's Widow Setting ~ Cornwall Publicat3.5⭐ Genre ~ psychological thriller Series ~ The Doctor's Wife, #3 Others in the series ~ The Doctor’s Wife, The Doctor's Widow Setting ~ Cornwall Publication date ~ December 6, 2023 Est page Count ~ 266 (p+ 33 chapters +e) Audio length ~ 7 hours 13 minutes Narrators ~ Sarah Durham, Luke R. Francis POV ~ dual 1st Featuring ~ cat & mouse, revenge
Tess, formally Fern, as we know her from the previous books, is on the run with her baby. Alice, with her own baby in tow, is out of the slammer and looking for revenge. Will she and her new man, Detective Tomlin, yes that detective, be able to find Fern and make her pay for what she's done?
I do enjoy a revenge plot and I liked the cat and mouse to a point, but the point felt like it took a while to get to. Neither of these women are likable, so it's hard to determine who to root for. There were some flashbacks for some reason from when the doctor was still alive, which took me a little away from this story since he's dead and gone, goodbye. But fine, he's the whole reason these two are in this mess.
Overall, another fine, fast paced crazy ride from this author. I was pleased with how it concluded...or did it?
Series notes: This is a continuation of the series that should be read in order for full enjoyment. It does give some back story, but if you've already read the others then the recap is not necessary and makes it a waste of pages.
Narration notes: Same narrators for the whole series, so that's nice. While Sarah did do a great job overall (she still needs to work on her man voice), I really wish we had two different narrators for the 2 women. Luke was fine.
*Thanks to the author, Bookouture Audio and NetGalley for the audio copy. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
3.5⭐ Genre ~ domestic thriller Setting ~ England Publication date ~ November 20, 2023 Est page Count ~ 364 (p+ 65 chapters +e) Audio length ~ 10 hours 11 3.5⭐ Genre ~ domestic thriller Setting ~ England Publication date ~ November 20, 2023 Est page Count ~ 364 (p+ 65 chapters +e) Audio length ~ 10 hours 11 minutes Narrator ~ Gabrielle Nellis-Pain POV ~ dual 3rd Featuring ~ doctor, pilot, murder, secrets, lies
An intriguing prologue sets up the scene of an attack in an alley.
There is no doubt in Kate's mind that her husband, Mark, is not a murderer, but why is he being secretive about where he was that night then? Robert is Mark's bff and co-pilot. When Mark is questioned about a woman killed while they were in Barcelona he steps in to help Kate care for her son, Jacob, along with his friend, Olivia.
You'd think that since Kate is a doctor that she'd make some smart choices, NOPE. She makes some pretty bad ones and you'll just want to yell at her quite a few times.
Overall, it moved along at a steady pace for me. It was pretty action packed at the end there and I was on the edge of my seat, but come on with the police at the 85% mark? What they did is highly unlikely.
Narration notes: Gabrielle did a superb job. Totally frantic when she needed to be.
*Thanks to the author, Bookouture Audio and NetGalley for the audiobook. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
3.5⭐ Genre ~ psychological thriller Setting ~ Melbourne, Australia Publication date ~ September 12, 2023 Est page Count ~ 278 (39 chapters +e) Audio length3.5⭐ Genre ~ psychological thriller Setting ~ Melbourne, Australia Publication date ~ September 12, 2023 Est page Count ~ 278 (39 chapters +e) Audio length ~ 9 hours 6 minutes Narrator ~ Fiona Hardingham POV ~mostly single 1st, with an extra POV towards the end Featuring ~ debut, 2 part story, unreliable narrator, secrets, diary entries, animal cruelty
Neighbors are not too thrilled when Sarah buys the Black Wood House, aka The Murder House, at a fraction of the cost in order to fix it up. I love a good deal, so I could see myself doing something like this.
All characters are pretty unlikable, including Sarah's absentee cheating husband, Joe. But you can't really blame him due to the reason they are married. That's an extra secret from the past that's slowly revealed.
It has a creepy atmosphere vibe. which made me eager to know what was going on upstairs. I didn't like what happened with Reaper the cat, but it was imperative to the story.
Is the whole plot believable in the whole scheme of things, no not really, but is was a pretty good debut. I didn't see the conclusion coming and for that reason I decided to round up my 3.5.
I appreciated the author's note which shared her personal story of her struggles with mental illness.
I was able to listen to a copy as well. Narration notes: I think she did a fantastic job with proper emotion when necessary. Her actually saying creak in a creaky voice was pretty funny.
*Thanks to the author, Random House Ballantine and NetGalley for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
4⭐ Genre ~ contemporary romance Setting ~ Aspen Lake Publication date ~ book ~ October 6, 2023, audio ~ December 5, 2023 Est page Count ~ 271 (36 chapters4⭐ Genre ~ contemporary romance Setting ~ Aspen Lake Publication date ~ book ~ October 6, 2023, audio ~ December 5, 2023 Est page Count ~ 271 (36 chapters +e & bonus content) Audio length ~ 9 hours 27 minutes Narrator ~ Wayne Mitchell, Kim Churchill POV ~ single 1st & 3rd Featuring ~ enemies to lovers, second chance, slow burn, no steamage
Calista & Tristan are brought together again by the grief their 15 year old niece, Quinn, is feeling over the loss of her father, who is Calista's brother in law and Tristan's brother. He was a known cheater, so not many people were sad about his death.
Only a handful of people are thrilled that Calista is back in town. She's from the wrong side of the lake, but she proved them wrong by becoming a doctor. She was really sweet and strong and I liked her friendship with Jules.
Quinn was great with her sneaky ways of trying to get them together. Her mom needed to get her act together sooner though. Tristan's parents were awful.
If you like a one sided enemies to lovers second chance romance I bet you'd enjoy this one. Calista had every right to be mad at Tristan for why he broke up with her. What a waste of 13 years apart and I'm so glad she didn't forgive him right away, which means there was no 3rd act breakup. Overall, a cute Christmasy read.
Calista's POV was in the 1st and Tristan in the 3rd. I think I would've preferred 1st for both, but was it this way because it's one sided enemies? Also, I like both of their names.
Narration notes: Kim did a great job. I wish Wayne would've stuck to his regular voice. His lady voices were absolutely AWFUL. Seriously the worst. I didn't even like him doing his father's voice either.
*Thanks to the author, Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
2⭐ Genre ~ contemporary romance, romantic comedy Setting ~ Porthkara ~ a cornish seaside village Publication date ~ December 15, 2023 Est page Count ~ 3262⭐ Genre ~ contemporary romance, romantic comedy Setting ~ Porthkara ~ a cornish seaside village Publication date ~ December 15, 2023 Est page Count ~ 326 (34 chapters +e) POV ~ dual 3rd Featuring ~ widower, actress, forced proximity, small town, slow burn, very minimal steamage
Author Content Warning: Callum is grieving the death of his wife when he meets Ella. Also in the characters backstories burnout and domestic abuse are mentioned.
*possible spoilers ahead*
Ella & Callum are both in Porthkara for 2 different weddings when they have no choice but to bunk together. She's there for her former co-stars wedding and he for his dead wife's sisters.
So overall this one was not for me, but I did like the following: ~ Ella seemed down to earth and sweet ~ Callum's name ~ the small town vibe ~ a cute dog named Hughie ~ Jessie was a great side character ~ how Jessie's house received a face lift and what the future holds for it ~ the brilliant idea Ella had for the small cottage
Here's what didn't do it for me: These two were very frustrating ~ will they or won't they, yes they will, no they won't, oh wait. Listen I understand that Callum is still grieving his wife who died 2 years ago, but make a decision dude. I did not feel their chemistry at all. And the ending was so crazy and abrupt and did not fit how the story progressed at all, which was slow.
A promising plot, but not executed well in my opinion.
*Thanks to the author, Rachel's Random Resources and NetGalley for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
4⭐ Genre ~ medical non fiction Setting ~ hospital Publication date ~ December 5, 2023 Est page Count ~ 256 (intro + 11 chapters) Audio length ~ 7 hours 43 4⭐ Genre ~ medical non fiction Setting ~ hospital Publication date ~ December 5, 2023 Est page Count ~ 256 (intro + 11 chapters) Audio length ~ 7 hours 43 minutes Narrator ~ Paul Heitsch
This is a fascinating behind the scenes look at what goes on in trauma units ~ babies, teenagers and adults, gunshot and stabbing wounds, motor vehicle, bicycle and falling accidents...medical trauma can happen to anyone in anyway at anytime.
Surgeons face a dying trauma patient without knowing their underlying medical history, extent of their injuries or the dying wishes of the patient or their family. The author explores the insanity they encounter, obstacles of optimal care and frustrations they must overcome to save lives.
I do not have any experience with anyone I am close to having any trauma surgery, but when I had my hysterectomy I asked the doctor to take a picture of my uterus and she did! So cool to see!! I wish I could have watched the whole surgery on video.
Narration notes: Paul did a fine job.
*Thanks to the author, Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
3.5⭐ Genre ~ domestic drama Publication date ~ August 29, 2023 Page Count ~ 310 Audio length ~ 9 hours 21 minutes Narrators ~ Katherine Press, Stephanie Ra3.5⭐ Genre ~ domestic drama Publication date ~ August 29, 2023 Page Count ~ 310 Audio length ~ 9 hours 21 minutes Narrators ~ Katherine Press, Stephanie Racine POV ~ multiple 3rd Featuring ~ dual timeline, kidnapping, murder, secrets, lies, short chapters
The prologue is intriguing with a baby stolen from her stroller in the supermarket.
Our main characters are: Frankie~ works in a prison library, teenage daughter missing Patience ~ works at Edith's care facility Clio ~ therapist, mother of kidnapped baby Edith ~mother of Clio
There's mother/daughter drama, some twists and a dog named, Dickens. Slow moving and confusing for quite a bit for me, but eventually we get to the meat of the story and it chugged along at a quicker clip. Overall, not my favorite, but interesting enough, just not as thrilling as I was expecting.
Narration notes: They both did an okay job, but there wasn't that much distinction between them.
*Thanks to the author, Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the audio copy. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
2.75⭐ Genre ~ domestic thriller Publication date ~ February 7, 2023 Est page Count ~ 317 Audio length ~ 10 hours and 46 minutes Narrator ~ Stephanie Willin2.75⭐ Genre ~ domestic thriller Publication date ~ February 7, 2023 Est page Count ~ 317 Audio length ~ 10 hours and 46 minutes Narrator ~ Stephanie Willing POV ~ 3rd Featuring ~ secrets, lies, gaslighting
Alyssa and Bree have just met and Alyssa is already offering her a place to stay. Who in their right mind would invite a stranger to live with them? Crazy birds that's who.
Meh, I wasn't overly thrilled with this one. I can't think of one character I liked. It was on the slow side for quite a while, but then eventually picked up a bit. Repetitiveness galore ~ I felt like I was hearing 'soon to be ex-husband' or 'we're separated' a bazillion too many times. I might have zoned out for a few minutes because I am not even sure if the loose end of Tammy (I think that's the housekeepers name) was tied up. I'll round up to 3 since I didn't see a twist coming. This is my first experience with this author and while I wasn't thrilled I will read another one to see if she's for me.
Narration notes: While the narration was done well, I think I might have liked it better if I read it, but I'll never know because I'm not a re-reader.
Nothing to do with anything, but I like how the lipstick matches the author's name on the cover.
*Thanks to the author, MacMillan Audio and NetGalley for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
4⭐ Genre ~ middle grade Series ~ Merci Suárez #3 Others in the series ~ Merci Suárez Changes Gears, Merci Suárez Can't Dance Setting ~ Florida Publication 4⭐ Genre ~ middle grade Series ~ Merci Suárez #3 Others in the series ~ Merci Suárez Changes Gears, Merci Suárez Can't Dance Setting ~ Florida Publication date ~ September 13, 2022 Est page Count ~ 353 (41 chapters) Audio length ~ 7 hours 12 minutes Narrator ~ Frankie Corzo POV ~ single 1st
Merci is now 13 years old and in 8th grade. She's still hanging with her group of friends, which now includes Edna, who she previously did not get along with. Popular girl, Avery, is showing interest in her ~ will she leave her friends high and dry for popularity or stay true to herself?
It makes me so sad reading about Lola's Alzheimer's, which is still progressing realistically. He needs extra care now, more than Abuela can provide on her own and she's having a tough time coming to terms with the fact that she could use extra help. Your heart just breaks for her and the whole family really. I do wish her younger twin cousins would have matured a little more during the series.
Overall, this was a perfect conclusion to this trilogy. I wonder if we'll see Merci again in high school...
Series notes: Best to go in order, so you are familiar with the whole Suarez family and Merci's friends.
Narration notes: Frankie did a fine job, but she obviously does not sound like a 13 year old. I read the first 2 and listened to this one, reading was a better experience for me.
*Thanks to the author, Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for the audio copy. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
3⭐ Genre ~ domestic thriller Setting ~ North Carolina Publication date ~ November 7, 2023 Page Count ~ 315 (p+ 40 chapters) Audio length ~ 9 hours 12 minut3⭐ Genre ~ domestic thriller Setting ~ North Carolina Publication date ~ November 7, 2023 Page Count ~ 315 (p+ 40 chapters) Audio length ~ 9 hours 12 minutes Narrator ~ Jennifer Jill Araya POV ~ single 1st Featuring ~ rich and snobby family, secrets, lies, murder, locked room
Kass & Murray are newly engaged and his parents are throwing them an engagement party. Kass will get to meet her future in-laws, woo hoo...or not. Quick side bar ~ how do you get engaged to someone and not have ever met their family, or know anything at all about them? Just seems odd to me since my hub introduced me after 12 days of dating, I guess when ya know ya know.
Of course Murray's rich family has secrets to hide, but Kass has one, too...dun dun dun. There's a locked room feel since no one is allowed to leave after the murder AND the electricity is out, which I liked, but all characters are unlikable, so it was a bit crazy at times. Man, Murray's family, and even his parent's friends, were pretty awful. Naive Kass should've hightailed it outta there ASAP. I love what she found behind the dresser, I wish I had one.
Overall, this was fine enough as a debut that I'd read her work again.
PS ~I love the cover!
Narration notes: Jennifer did a great. Her voice was a little slow though and I had to bump it up to 3x. She gave proper emotion and was very frantic when necessary.
*Thanks to the author, Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for the audio copy. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Heather Adores Books
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Books:
netgalley-2023
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