4⭐ Genre ~ romantic comedy Series ~ Falling for Summer #1 Setting ~ Island off the coast of Florida Publication date ~ ebook ~ June 12, 2024, audio ~ July4⭐ Genre ~ romantic comedy Series ~ Falling for Summer #1 Setting ~ Island off the coast of Florida Publication date ~ ebook ~ June 12, 2024, audio ~ July 21, 2024 Publisher ~ Dreamscape Media Est Page Count ~ 364 (41 chapters +e) Audio length ~ 8 hours 37 minutes Narrators ~ Amanda Friday & Andy Harrington POV ~ dual 1st, present tense Featuring ~ small town, island life, pro golfer, best friends brother, sisters best friend, forbidden, off limits, slow burn, no steamage
Jane & Walker Jane is ready to settle down and find love on the island she adores. She uses popular book tropes to set the tone. And boy do we hear the word trope a bunch, a bit too much obsessively tropey for me. But now her school crush is back in town putting a damper on her plans to find love this summer.
Walker is ready to get his golf game back on track after an injury. He’s not interested in being on the island any longer than he needs to, but his sister's best friend catches his eye. Will the fun times they have together make him change his mind and stay? Or is hanging with Brooks Koepka and Tiger Woods more appleaing? That’d be a yes to Brooks for me, wink wink.
I could’ve gone without the time wasting because of the sister crap, but overall this was cute, had some nice banter and a great series starter. I’m looking forward to seeing what’s in store for the rest of the island peeps.
Narration notes: Duet!! Whoop whoop! Both of their voices were pleasing to my ears.
Go enter the GR giveaway for 30 prints copies going on right now if you fancy this one. 4.5⭐ Genre ~ suspense thriller Setting ~ Minnesota Publication datGo enter the GR giveaway for 30 prints copies going on right now if you fancy this one. 4.5⭐ Genre ~ suspense thriller Setting ~ Minnesota Publication date ~ August 13, 2024 Publisher ~ Little, Brown & Company Est Page Count ~ 321 (p+ 43 chapters +e) Audio length ~ 8 hours 13 minutes Narrator ~ Joe Morton POV ~ multiple 3rd Featuring ~ plane crash into a nuclear plant
Road trip listen with the family and holy cannoli with mini mint chocolate chips this was a top notch listen. We were happy that we were in a truck and not an airplane.
There are quite a few smarty pants characters to keep track of, exactly who I’d want on the line trying to protect the town and its people. I might have shed a tear, or sixteen, for some of them. Yes, some things were implausible, but the action is non stop, like seriously, it never lets up.
If you like intensely gripping, suspensefully thrilling thrillers then you’ll want to put this one on your never ending TBR.
Narration notes: What a performance! Love the added sound effects from a megaphone, intercom and cb radio, which really gives it that extra pizzazz I enjoy in my audiobooks, especially thrillers.
Husband’s in depth review: Action packed. Some unrealistic scenarios. Good book. Will read this author again.
Happy publication day! 3.5⭐ Genre ~ contemporary romance Setting ~ England Publication date ~ July 29, 2024 Publisher ~ Dreamscape Select Est Page Count ~ 3Happy publication day! 3.5⭐ Genre ~ contemporary romance Setting ~ England Publication date ~ July 29, 2024 Publisher ~ Dreamscape Select Est Page Count ~ 344 (p+ 18 chapters +e) Audio length ~ 10 hours 41 minutes Narrator ~ Abigail Hardiman POV ~ dual 1st, present tense Featuring ~ long chapters, workplace romance, age gap, single parent, slow burn, some steamage
Zoe (44) & Jack (29) meet on the night she learns her hub, who she's been with since she was 20, has been cheating with her best friend. Then it turns out he's the new teacher at her school.
Zoe was a great mother and I liked the relationship she had with her 2 kids, as well as with her students. The divorce took up a bit more of the plot then I would have liked. I know it's the whole point of the book and why the main characters get together, but I could have went for more focus on the new relationship. Since there's an age gap that's talked about a lot and that got to be overdone.
Jack was really sweet and a great uncle to his twin nephews. I like when uncle's are supportive and show up to sporting events when they can. He's a bit quick with his feelings for Zoe, though.
While I wasn't a fan on the 3rd act, I can see why it was done based on the ages of the characters. But still I do like when characters are able to make their own decisions and they're not made for what the other thinks is best for them.
Overall, I did enjoy it well enough, but I quite possibly would have enjoyed it more had I read it and not listened (see my notes below). The chapters were really long which gave me a slow moving vibe, and I'm not too sure how I feel about the ending.
Narration notes: Why in the ever loving ever was there only 1 female narrator when it as dual 1st?? I've grown accustomed to it when it's in the 3rd, but 1st!?!?! Come on. She did not even try to do a male voice at all, which I guess maybe was just as well, but it was very distracting. If I didn't catch who was talking then it would take me a minute to figure out who it was. (Just realized I said the same thing in my review for Kristen's other book Sex Ed.)
Series notes: It's not tagged as a series, but the characters from Sex Ed are involved for a good bit here.
3.5⭐ Genre ~ billionaire romance Series ~ Spade Hotel, #3 Others in the series ~ The Playboy, The Rebel Setting ~ California & wherever the private plane 3.5⭐ Genre ~ billionaire romance Series ~ Spade Hotel, #3 Others in the series ~ The Playboy, The Rebel Setting ~ California & wherever the private plane takes them Publication date ~ ebook ~ June 27, 2024, audio ~ July 23, 2024 Publisher ~ Dreamscape Media Est Page Count ~ 383 (39 chapters +e) Audio length ~ 9 hours 25 minutes Narrators ~ Ava Erickson & Tor Thom POV ~ dual 1st Featuring ~ billionaire, flight attendant, fast burn, he falls first, no 3rd act breakup, steamage
Brady & Lily (28) meet on a flight and can't keep their eyes off of each other. After a night of mind blowing loving she's the one sneaking out in the early hours, which is something that has never happened to Brady. Their story continues 6 months later when they see each other again on another flight.
Lily has a backstory that's slowly revealed. While I can feel for what she's been through I didn't feel fully gripped with that part of the story.
I always know what to expect with the MMC's with this author. They're always dominant, alphas and self proclaimed bachelors that never want to be tied down until they're taken by surprise by a special lady and then they're mush for her. Brady would do anything to protect her and that he does. I gotta say I was a bit surprised about something big he did, it was pretty dark and unexpected.
Overall, their chemistry is great and I love not having a 3rd act breakup. Not my favorite of the series, but a fine installment to it.
Series notes: This one would be fine as a standalone. I felt like some of Dalton's from The Dalton Family series popped in more than the Spade brothers did.
Narration notes: Seems like Tor has not worked on his lady voice. It'd be great if he only ever had to do male parts because he does a super job with those. I cringe every time it's sexy scene time with him. Ava did great all around.
Happy audiobook publication day! 4.25⭐ Genre ~ sports romance Series ~ More Than a Game #1 Setting ~ Alabama Publication date ~ book ~ January 4, 2024, auHappy audiobook publication day! 4.25⭐ Genre ~ sports romance Series ~ More Than a Game #1 Setting ~ Alabama Publication date ~ book ~ January 4, 2024, audio ~ July 30, 2024 Publisher ~ Dreamscape Media Est Page Count ~ 257 (31 chapters +e, + a bonus e) Audio length ~ 7 hours 19 minutes Narrator ~ Kim Churchill & Oliver Clarke POV ~ dual 1st Featuring ~ hockey player, physical therapist, childhood rivals to lovers, brother’s best friend, best friend’s sister, slow burn, he falls first, no steamage
Sutton (23) & Shaw (2o's) (cute names) have been rivals since they were children. Now they’re going to be seeing a lot of each since she’ll be working for the hockey team he plays for.
I’m so happy this was a clean romance just because of their age, which is my personal preference at this point in my life. There’s definitely a new adult vibe with some of their possessions, interactions and thoughts being OTT and immature, but the banter was good since they’ve known each other for a very long time, so there’s a sort of ease to it.
The burn is super slooooowwww, almost too slow, so I wish their declaration of feelings happened a bit sooner. I’m thrilled this was dual POV because Shaw really brought his A game with his feelings. The brother's best friend/best friend's sister trope was well done.
Overall, this was really caaauuutttte and sweet! The bonus epilogue gives us a sneak peek of what’s to come in the next book and I’d totally be interested in reading or listening to it.
Narration notes: They both did a perfectly fine job. She sounded age appropriate.
Thinking about reading this Medieval Historical Fiction book? Here's an extract to help you decide.
Extract
Blondel and The Lost Queen
Blondel is a voiceThinking about reading this Medieval Historical Fiction book? Here's an extract to help you decide.
Extract
Blondel and The Lost Queen
Blondel is a voice in The Lost Queen. Here is where he first appears to compose a song with King Richard before Richard and Berengaria marry.
Extract
Blondel entered the King’s chamber after supper. The Count of Flanders was sharing a cup of wine with the King. The musician fell to his knees.
‘No need for the obeisance,’ the King said, idly sipping his wine. At once, Blondel scrambled to his feet. He felt the King studying him. But it was Count Philip who addressed him. ‘The King remembers you. He tells me he heard you play and sing in the Castle of Shadows in Bordeaux a few years ago.’ Count Philip smiled at Richard, who was studying Blondel’s lute.
King Richard leaned forward and spoke in a deep voice. ‘I admire music very much, Master Blondel. But, I wonder, can you help me compose a song. Your song for my bride was delightful and I would also like to arrange verses for my lady.’
‘It would be an honour,’ Blondel found himself saying without hesitation.
‘Then I shall retire,’ Count Philip said and rose from his chair. ‘I am weary tonight.’
That evening, Master Blondel lost himself in the arrangement he suggested to the King. Richard possessed a musical ear and a talent for composition. Blondel was delighted to discover such a genuine love for music and poetry. The candle clock burned down several notches. It was growing late. Sadly, they must stop. As Blondel slung his lute over his shoulder, King Richard promised him that he would sing at the wedding feast and he would travel with Berengaria to Outremer.
Blondel was so overjoyed that he would accompany the beautiful women on their forward voyage he wore a grin plastered upon on his countenance for days. King Richard had honoured him above all the other talented trouvères who had gathered around the two kings in Sicily. He would be moving within the most elite of circles. What adventures lay ahead!
Later Blondel becomes very important as he is employed as a spy within the French camp.
‘I am sorry for Count Philip’s death, Master Blondel. He is a great loss to the Crusade and to us. I am sure we would welcome you, but . . .’ she leaned forward, ‘I think my husband might wish you to remain where you are.’
Blondel looked crestfallen. ‘Why?’ His expressive eyes had filled with sorrow. Clearly, he disliked King Philip as much as she did.
‘Because,’ she said, ‘it’s useful to be aware of what is going on in the French camp. If you listen hard when you play for King Philip, you’ll hear what is discussed amongst the French.’ She lowered her voice. ‘Philip of France tried to turn Tancred against us. He also supports Conrad of Montferrat, I hear tell. He denies that King Guy is the true King of Jerusalem.’
Blondel lifted his clear blue eyes. ‘I would be proud to serve King Richard, Queen Joanna and yourself, your Grace. Still, if you wish it, I shall return to the French . . . for now.’ He sounded disappointed.
‘I see you have your lute with you. Would you play for us this morning whilst we work on our tapestry?’ Berengaria bit into a sweet cake and proffered the plate to the trouvère. ‘But try one of these seed cakes first. They are delicious.’ Blondel accepted. Berengaria cupped a hand to her ear. ‘Yes, there’ll be a great crush down by the harbour. No point in joining it. We’ll wait here for Richard to remember he has a wife and a sister. Let him come to us.’...more
3.5⭐ Genre ~ psychological fiction Setting ~ New York & Maine Publication date ~ May 30, 2023 Publisher ~ Harlequin Trade Publishing Est Page Count ~ 298 (3.5⭐ Genre ~ psychological fiction Setting ~ New York & Maine Publication date ~ May 30, 2023 Publisher ~ Harlequin Trade Publishing Est Page Count ~ 298 (43 chapters) Audio length ~ 8 hours 28 minutes Narrator ~ Brittany Pressley POV ~ single 1st & dual 3rd, present tense Featuring ~ missing girls and old men
Kira's 19 year old daughter, Brooke, is missing. 1st person POV Grace went missing when she was a teenager, but escaped. 3rd person POV Aden's 73 year old father is missing. 3rd person POV
Why with the POV's this way? I prefer consistency. There's a bit of amateur sleuthing going on that gets a little crazy at times. Kira acted like I'd expect of a frantic mother searching for her child.
Overall, it's not at all shocking really, but I found it to be really fast paced after a bit of a slow build up.
I was able to listen to a copy as well. I had a foster puppy over for a few days that I had to bring to the vet over an hour away, so me and the pupper super sonic listened and got a good chunk done. She doesn't have any thoughts to add.
Narration notes: It's Brittany...enough said.
Another old one checked off the list, whoop whoop!
Genre ~ Children's Fiction Publication date ~ October 15, 2024 Est Page Count ~ 32
Oh my gosh, what a sad, yet comforting and heartwarming story.
...the rGenre ~ Children's Fiction Publication date ~ October 15, 2024 Est Page Count ~ 32
Oh my gosh, what a sad, yet comforting and heartwarming story.
...the rock listened and said calmly "You're safe now."
Sometimes all you need is someone, or something or somewhere in this case, to just be there for you in any capacity they can. The rock was there for the butterfly to lean on whether it was having a good day or a bad one. In turn, the butterfly was there for the rock, so it wasn't lonely. When the rock was no longer there comfort was found elsewhere.
I think this would be a great book to read to 5-8 year olds that have just lost someone close to them to show that life will eventually move on.
The illustrations by Brooke Kerrigan were simple and lovely, and give off a perfect spring vibe.
*This story was originally written after the death of illustrator Brooke Kerrigan's father, penned for her mother by the author, Kathy Stinson.*
*Thanks to the author, Orca Book Publishers and NetGalley for my copy. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Genre ~ Children's Fiction, Humor & Satire Publication date ~ August 13, 2024 Est Page Count ~ 32
The title grabbed me on this one and I just had to see Genre ~ Children's Fiction, Humor & Satire Publication date ~ August 13, 2024 Est Page Count ~ 32
The title grabbed me on this one and I just had to see what it was all about.
An older man tells us why this book is not for kids and who it is actually for.
"You're probably one of those whippersnappers who likes cute animals doing silly things."
Well I'm certainly not a whippersnapper, but I do love a cute dog and here we have some sort of terrier, Scottish terrier, I think, but I'm not positive.
For everything it says it doesn't have it actually does, which will probably get real whippersnappers chuckling. Overall, I say this would be cute and fun for 5-7 year olds.
The illustrations by Susanna Covelli were very fitting to the story.
Genre ~ children's non-fiction Publication date ~ September 3, 2019 Est Page Count ~ 32 Audio length ~ 5 minutes Narrator ~ Book Buddy Digital Media POV ~Genre ~ children's non-fiction Publication date ~ September 3, 2019 Est Page Count ~ 32 Audio length ~ 5 minutes Narrator ~ Book Buddy Digital Media POV ~ 2nd
A nice little non rhyming, informative book great for children aged 4-9.
I had two favorites: The ladybug ~ they fatten up, pile up, stiffen up and swarm into a ladybug pile sharing warmth together ~ then pause ~ then in the Spring they wiggle awake, feast, flit away
The arctic ground squirrel ~ they pack on fat, become as cold as the air, barely move ~ then pause ~ then every few weeks they shiver for hours to warm up ~ as days grows longer their heart quickens and they scurry around to find food
I ordered a copy from the library so that I could comment on the pictures: ~ I like that they are photos and not illustrations ~ there are some great shots that really show what is going on ~ I especially like the photo showing the tiny leaf blanket wrapped around the buds of the tree limbs ~ the sleeping mama and baby bear snuggling is super cute
In addition to the photos, I liked the section on dormancy differences, which goes into more detail on: ~ plant dormancy ~ diapause ~ insect dormancy ~ hibernation ~ during cold weather ~ torpor ~ short term hibernation ~ brumation ~ reptile and amphibian dormancy ~ estivation. ~ during hot or dry weather
Narration notes: This is the first time I've listened with a narrator like this and it sounded perfect, not robotic at all.
2⭐ Genre ~ contemporary fiction Setting ~ Benson Beach (near NY, or in it, I think) Publication date ~ August 13, 2024 Publisher ~ St. Martin's Griffin Est2⭐ Genre ~ contemporary fiction Setting ~ Benson Beach (near NY, or in it, I think) Publication date ~ August 13, 2024 Publisher ~ St. Martin's Griffin Est Page Count ~ 320 (26 chapters +e) Audio length ~ 9 hours 18 minutes Narrator ~ Natalie Naudus POV ~ single 1st Featuring ~ viral breakups, childhood friends, fake dating, second chance, slow burn, minimal steamage, back in the day micommunication
June (27) & Levi were broken up with publicly and decide to fake date after not seeing each other for 10 years.
I don't mind fake dating at all, but only when it's for the benefit of career purposes or something to that nature. I am absolutely not down with it when it's up in the air that one of them might or might not want to get back with their ex. Which is what happens for most of the book. That's really mean and I don't like meanness. Therefore I did not like them together at all, not one bit. I would've preferred they just stay friends who like to compete with each other.
Usually I like dual POV, but I'm happy we didn't have Levi's because it probably would've made me dislike him more.
So with that said I do think it was written well for what the author was trying to do. Also, really enjoyed June's friendship with Matteo, her brother's fiance. But, overall, I was not a fan.
Happy publication day! 3.5⭐ Genre ~ psychological fiction, family drama Setting ~ England Publication date ~ July 15, 2024 Est Page Count ~ 330 (p+ 53 chapHappy publication day! 3.5⭐ Genre ~ psychological fiction, family drama Setting ~ England Publication date ~ July 15, 2024 Est Page Count ~ 330 (p+ 53 chapters) Audio length ~ 8 hours 18 minutes Narrator ~ Kristin Atherton POV ~ single 1st & multiple 3rd Featuring ~ multiple timelines, murder, secrets
Sister and brother, Anna & Tim are living in their old house with Anna's 10 year old daughter, Cassie.
Sister and brother, Lily & George Taylor were best friends with Anna and Tim growing up, until one tragic event caused a rift between George and Tim. Lily's POV is the only 1st person one.
Now the beloved Dr. Taylor is found murdered. Who stabbed him and why?
I'm not a fan when a child thinks they know what's best and doesn't listen to their parent, even if they're not given a good reason for why things are the way they are. There's also a lack on police presence when it was warranted, which I found odd.
Hiding because we learn this later on and it's definitely a (view spoiler)[Dr. Taylor molested Anna when she was around the same age as Cassie is, so I'm wondering why Anna allowed her daughter to hang around him? (hide spoiler)] and it makes no sense and I'm a bit sickened by it. But I suppose that's a twist for ya. I was originally rounding up, but the more I thought about it, I've gotta go with down because I just can't get behind this type of behavior. (view spoiler)[It's not even like we get flashbacks where the 'good' doctor is threatening her with something to keep her mouth shut (hide spoiler)], so again makes no sense.
But I was pretty engaged for most of it. I wouldn't say it was a thriller, or suspenseful, really, but there was a little action that got my heart racing for a hot minute. Gotta love an elderly neighbor that sees and hears everything. I'll probably be like Mrs. McKay one day. The 10 year old secret was not a surprise, but the last zinger was a nice one and I'm not sure if I like the open-endedness of it.
I have read this author before and rated it exactly the same. It seems like she might have a theme she likes for her wow factor.
Narration notes: She did do a good job differentiating her voices, but I really wish there was a male narrator. Also, I felt like Lily's tone sounded quite mean.
4⭐ Genre ~ psychological mystery Setting ~ Tuscany Publication date ~ July 26, 2024 Est Page Count ~ 334 (p+ 70 chapters) Audio length ~ 8 hours 37 minutes4⭐ Genre ~ psychological mystery Setting ~ Tuscany Publication date ~ July 26, 2024 Est Page Count ~ 334 (p+ 70 chapters) Audio length ~ 8 hours 37 minutes Narrator ~ Clare Corbett POV ~ single 1st & multiple 3rd, present tense Featuring ~ multiple timelines, alcohol dependency, functioning alcoholic, attempted assault on page, past on page domestic abuse, references to rape
Cerys is the owner of Villa Lucia. She is very dependent on alcohol and as the story is told in multiple timelines we'll slowly learn why this is.
Lowery (sounds like Larry sometimes, so I'm just guessing of spelling) is Cerys' young adult daughter that's helping her out at the Villa.
Zoe, husband, Harry, and son, Charlie (19) are the guests.
Lucia and Lorenzo live nearby and help out at the Villa and have secrets from the past that they are not eager to get out.
Nick, Cerys' controlling, abusive, ex-husband, pops in for an unwelcome visit.
And then one morning there's a body in the pool. Who is it and how did they get there?
There are only a few possible suspects, but we're given some good crumbs to think each has a reason for committing murder. More of a mystery and not a thriller, but that didn't bother me at all. Gotta say that was a NICE twist for the why that I didn't see coming. Overall, enjoyed it and I'm happy with who the floater was.
Narration notes: Overall she did a fine job, but I think this would have benefited from multiple narrators.
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