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.
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*
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.
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*
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.
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*
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*
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*
2.5⭐ Genre ~ holiday fiction Setting ~ England Publication date ~ October 17, 2023 Est page Count ~ 104 (2 parts) Audio length ~ 2 hours 48 minutes Narrato2.5⭐ Genre ~ holiday fiction Setting ~ England Publication date ~ October 17, 2023 Est page Count ~ 104 (2 parts) Audio length ~ 2 hours 48 minutes Narrator ~ Esther Wane POV ~ 1st Featuring ~ diary entries, an attack
The first part is Ashley's diary entries from when she spends Christmas break with her friend Emma's family. She quickly starts crushing on Emma's twin, Adam. Ugh, really? Falling in love with a possible murder suspect in 2 days just cuz he gave you the side eye and a present....blah.
The second part is a reflection back on those events that happened 30 years ago.
So, this was meh for me. I guess I liked the twist and luckily it was super quick, but I wasn't overly wowed. I have a feeling most of the lovers of this one read it and didn't listen because ⤵
Narration notes: I think Esther did a fine job, but the shuffling pages made it seem like the diary was written on a pocket notebook. Maybe because I was listening at 2.5x, but the swoosh didn't line up with where she was in her sentence, so it was a little distracting.
I absolutely think $11.99 for a 104 page e-book is outrageous.
Genre ~ memoir Publication date ~ October 24, 2023 Est page Count ~ 342 (p+ 37 chapters +e) Audio length ~ 8 hours 44 minutes Narrator ~ the author
MemoirGenre ~ memoir Publication date ~ October 24, 2023 Est page Count ~ 342 (p+ 37 chapters +e) Audio length ~ 8 hours 44 minutes Narrator ~ the author
Memoirs are always a little weird to me because how do you remember exactly what was said 40-50 years ago ~ did ya take notes knowing you might write a book one day? Doubtful.
John tells us his story chronologically from his DUI, to his first audition (luckily he didn't get peed on ...more
3⭐ Genre ~ contemporary romance Publication date ~ August 1, 2023 Est page Count ~ 331 (17 chapters +e) Audio length ~ 7 hours 3 minutes Narrator ~ Fiona H3⭐ Genre ~ contemporary romance Publication date ~ August 1, 2023 Est page Count ~ 331 (17 chapters +e) Audio length ~ 7 hours 3 minutes Narrator ~ Fiona Hampton POV ~ single 1st Featuring ~ characters in their 30's, work competition, fake dating, slow burn, enemies to lovers, opposites attract, no steamage
I've never been on a dating app, so I'm not sure how they compare, but I liked the one Marina has created. How great that other people are able to leave feedback on how their date went so you can decide if you want to go on a date with that person. Sounds like a time saver to me.
Marina was pretty set in her ways, which is fine to an extent, but I couldn't really warm up to her. I liked Lucas a bit more. Some of the dates they went on were fun.
Overall, it did have good banter which is what I expect from my enemies to lovers, so woo hoo for that, but really with the 3rd act. A bit slow moving and I would have liked dual POV, too.
And how many times do you think the word 'dealbreaker' was used? I don't have an exact number, but it felt like 100k too many.
Narration notes: Unfortunately I listened to this one like 8 audios ago and didn't take any notes, so I can't comment on the performance.
2⭐ Genre ~ women's fiction? maybe, idk Setting ~ Las Vegas, Nevada & Los Angeles, California Publication date ~ August 2, 2022 Est page Count ~ 423 (19 ch2⭐ Genre ~ women's fiction? maybe, idk Setting ~ Las Vegas, Nevada & Los Angeles, California Publication date ~ August 2, 2022 Est page Count ~ 423 (19 chapters +e) Audio length ~ 11 hours 16 minutes Narrator ~ the author, obviously POV ~ single 3rd Featuring ~ 5 part story, some long chapters (part 3, ch 9 is almost 3 hours!, it's so long it's broken up into 2 parts!), dementia, suicide attempt, no steamage
I seem to be an outlier, but I wasn't feeling this semi-autobiographical one.
I'm all about interesting and unique names, but I don't know about Sewanee. It wasn't pleasing to my ears to hear it 86k times. Maybe I wouldn't have cared as much if this was told in the 1st.
I didn't like the flow, it was way too long and there was a lot going on. From her only having one eye to a her grandma having dementia to her strained relationship with her father to her failed acting career...it was just too much for me. The romance was lacking in chemistry since they did a good portion of communicating via text or email. If you didn't know what was going to happen with this then you're most certainly living under a rock.
I did like how she had a disability as I'm pretty sure I haven't read a character with a missing eye before. What a freak accident that was. Also, liked her and grandma's relationship even if she didn't know her at times.
Side note ~ I could do without the joking around about a suicide.
Seems to be best romance pick on Amazon and a nominee for best romance here, not sure why. Anyway, I hope you like it if you read it.
Narration notes: A well seasoned narrator who does a perfect job.
3⭐ Genre ~ crime fiction Series ~ Cami Lark #1 Others in the series ~ #1-10 Setting ~ Boston, Massachusetts Publication date ~ December 8, 2022 Est page Co3⭐ Genre ~ crime fiction Series ~ Cami Lark #1 Others in the series ~ #1-10 Setting ~ Boston, Massachusetts Publication date ~ December 8, 2022 Est page Count ~ 211 (p+ 31 chapters +e) Audio length ~ 5 hours 46 minutes Narrator ~ Kate Burns POV ~ single 3rd Featuring ~ police procedural, FBI
Cami is a hacker that has been caught and in order to avoid prison she makes a deal with the FBI to help them out on a case. Does this stuff really happen? Seems odd they'd let a civilian just join them on the hunt for a murderer. Don't FBI agents go through extensive training?? Well I would hope they do.
Anyway, even though I think the plot is implausible, Cami was a good hacker. She got herself out of a tight spot at the end when I'm sure she was trying not to poop her pants.
Overall, fine~ish. I probably don't see myself continuing on with the series unless I need a quick read to fill in the gaps.
Narration notes: I have no complaints with Kate's performance.
Another one I read through Hoopla's bonus borrow, woo hoo, and free on Amazon.
Genre ~ YA paranormal fantasy Series ~ Wing #1 Others in the series ~ #1-5 Setting ~ Northwest (not sure exactly where) Publication date ~ book ~ FebruaryGenre ~ YA paranormal fantasy Series ~ Wing #1 Others in the series ~ #1-5 Setting ~ Northwest (not sure exactly where) Publication date ~ book ~ February 14, 2o23, audio ~ March 3, 2023 Est page Count ~ 167 (30 chapters) Audio length ~ 4 hours 50 minutes Narrator ~ Ashley Thompson POV ~ single 1st Featuring ~ teenage characters, creatures, cliffhanger
Taylor has been sent away to a special camp after she allegedly attempted to hurt her stepmother, a despicable woman.
Overall, I liked Taylor's friendship with Beth, but that's about it. This was not my cup of tea. I think this will appeal to those that enjoy engaging YA fantasy with some supernatural aspects. I got Hunger Games vibes.
If my reading preferences happen to change sometime, which is pretty doubtful, I might be inclined to read the rest, but for now I will not continue on with the series.
Narration notes: Sounded age appropriate and had proper tones for the situations.
*Thanks to Hoopla for the bonus borrow that didn't cost me a precious credit*
No ⭐ DNF Genre ~ per Amazon ~ Amateur Sleuth Mysteries, Traditional Detective Mysteries Series ~ Dr. Bannerman Vet Mystery #1 Setting ~ no idea PublicatiNo ⭐ DNF Genre ~ per Amazon ~ Amateur Sleuth Mysteries, Traditional Detective Mysteries Series ~ Dr. Bannerman Vet Mystery #1 Setting ~ no idea Publication date ~ April 19, 2022 Est page Count ~ 248 (p+ 34 chapters) Audio length ~ 7 hours 2 minutes Narrator ~ Miles Meili POV ~ 3rd Featuring ~ oddness, dead pigs
DNF at 15% ~ 1 hour and 3 minutes because I already know I am not going to be feeling this author's writing style after this ⤵
"He always leaned in a little too close for Peter's liking, fumigating him in excessive minty breathe odor."
Ummmm, what? Thanks Hoopla for the free opportunity, but nah, I'm all set. The kindle book is currently $15.58, I'll say it again, ummmm, what?
Narration notes: Eh, wasn't thrilled from the little bit I heard.
3.5⭐ Genre ~ crime fiction Series ~ Claire King #1 Others in the series ~ books 1-7 Setting ~ not sure Publication date ~ book ~ March 28, 2023, audio ~ Ap3.5⭐ Genre ~ crime fiction Series ~ Claire King #1 Others in the series ~ books 1-7 Setting ~ not sure Publication date ~ book ~ March 28, 2023, audio ~ April 25, 2023 Est page Count ~ 146 (p+ 26 chapters +e) Audio length ~ 4 hours 55 minutes Narrator ~ Nina Berault POV ~ multiple 3rd Featuring ~ FBI, police procedural, serial killer
An interesting plot ~ Claire had to be resuscitated and when she wakes up she has some psychic abilities. These abilities will help her solve murder cases.
There were some edge of the seat moments and it was perfectly paced. There weren't any slow moments really, which helped keep up the suspense.
This was a fine series starter. I'm not sure I will rush to read the next in the series, but will possibly fit them in if they're available on Hoopla and I can't find anything else to maximize my monthly credits. Luckily got this one as a bonus borrow for November, so it didn't count, woo hoo. Free on Amazon if you're interested ~ I don't know for how long.
Narration notes: Nina was okay, I suppose, but we've got a male POV, so we know I'd have liked a male narrator.
4⭐ Genre ~ women's fiction Series ~ A Porch by the Sea #1 Setting ~ California Publication date ~ February 7, 2023 Est page Count ~ 138 (19 chapters) Audio 4⭐ Genre ~ women's fiction Series ~ A Porch by the Sea #1 Setting ~ California Publication date ~ February 7, 2023 Est page Count ~ 138 (19 chapters) Audio length ~ 4 hours 33 minutes Narrator ~ Samantha Sherratt POV ~ single 3rd Featuring ~ character in the mid 30's, fresh start, starting over, no steamage Emma's had enough of her cheating hub (cliche with this), so she's off to help her Aunt out at a B&B.
The fam and I like to watch Beachfront Bargain Hunt Renovations on the telly, so I really enjoyed reading about the renovation process for Emma.
Romance is not on the forefront here as she working through a divorce. I'm glad about this because it's probably not a good idea to jump right into something so soon. As you can probably gather from the title there is one kiss, though. I'm curious to see how it'll pan out with her suspected love interest in the coming books.
Overall, a nice series starter that looks like they need to be read in order as they'll follow Emma's new life by the sea with new friendships and relationships, and of course, more renovations and hiccups along the way.
Narration notes: A fine job regardless, but may I ask why we have a British narrator for an American based book?