This was a quick listen! I thought Tina and George made the perfect pair, both in and out of the office. I would have liked the story to have been a lThis was a quick listen! I thought Tina and George made the perfect pair, both in and out of the office. I would have liked the story to have been a little longer. The story was set in the 90s which brought me right back to my new adult era. The narrators, Carly Robins and Bradley Ford brought the story to life. Carly and Bradley gave the characters personalities and emotions that I would have otherwise not caught while reading as opposed to listening.
I received an advance copy of the audiobook at my request and voluntarily left this review.
Merged review:
This was a quick listen! I thought Tina and George made the perfect pair, both in and out of the office. I would have liked the story to have been a little longer. The story was set in the 90s which brought me right back to my new adult era. The narrators, Carly Robins and Bradley Ford brought the story to life. Carly and Bradley gave the characters personalities and emotions that I would have otherwise not caught while reading as opposed to listening.
I received an advance copy of the audiobook at my request and voluntarily left this review....more
This was a great second chance romance! Sam and Piper were once high school sweethearts. She needed a break. He heard break UP. It's been six years. PThis was a great second chance romance! Sam and Piper were once high school sweethearts. She needed a break. He heard break UP. It's been six years. Piper is back in town to help her family out since Mama Bellini is popping out kid #11. But she's also giving her dream of being a voice artist one last chance before she switching gears. The last, the absolute last, person Piper expected to help her out was Sam. Why??? He had his own agenda that had something to do with running for mayor. But really, he wanted redemption from the biggest faux pas of thinking he and Piper broke up.
The characters were full of banter, humor, and lots of awkward moments. The little ones always steal the show (hello, Nova!). Working together narrating an audiobook (love the nod to the beautiful world of audio) led PIper and Sam to hashing out past hurts, redeeming current misunderstandings, and figuring out that their dream of the future really did include each other.
I received an advance copy of this book at my request and voluntarily left this review.
Merged review:
This was a great second chance romance! Sam and Piper were once high school sweethearts. She needed a break. He heard break UP. It's been six years. Piper is back in town to help her family out since Mama Bellini is popping out kid #11. But she's also giving her dream of being a voice artist one last chance before she switching gears. The last, the absolute last, person Piper expected to help her out was Sam. Why??? He had his own agenda that had something to do with running for mayor. But really, he wanted redemption from the biggest faux pas of thinking he and Piper broke up.
The characters were full of banter, humor, and lots of awkward moments. The little ones always steal the show (hello, Nova!). Working together narrating an audiobook (love the nod to the beautiful world of audio) led PIper and Sam to hashing out past hurts, redeeming current misunderstandings, and figuring out that their dream of the future really did include each other.
I received an advance copy of this book at my request and voluntarily left this review....more
"Love Hard," Book 3 in Nalini Singh's Hard Play series, is about overcoming pasts, learning how to love, and the true meaning of family. Jacob and Jul"Love Hard," Book 3 in Nalini Singh's Hard Play series, is about overcoming pasts, learning how to love, and the true meaning of family. Jacob and Juliet are like oil and water in the beginning of the book. Both were prickly and closed off to each other, characteristics brought on by being in the public eye. Jake lives a very black and white life; his dedication to raising his motherless daughter makes him so. Juliet has a protective armor around herself from past experiences. So when the two are brought together, their personalities clash.
As I read the story, I knew Jake and Jules would end up together, but the sparks and fireworks that went off as their relationship deepened and strengthened and turned into something stable was amazing! The chances they took on each other and together were symbolic and created the turning points to their happily ever after.
Merged review:
"Love Hard," Book 3 in Nalini Singh's Hard Play series, is about overcoming pasts, learning how to love, and the true meaning of family. Jacob and Juliet are like oil and water in the beginning of the book. Both were prickly and closed off to each other, characteristics brought on by being in the public eye. Jake lives a very black and white life; his dedication to raising his motherless daughter makes him so. Juliet has a protective armor around herself from past experiences. So when the two are brought together, their personalities clash.
As I read the story, I knew Jake and Jules would end up together, but the sparks and fireworks that went off as their relationship deepened and strengthened and turned into something stable was amazing! The chances they took on each other and together were symbolic and created the turning points to their happily ever after....more
I love Christmas so I especially love stories set during Christmas time. The author did an amazing job of re-connecting the two main characters who inI love Christmas so I especially love stories set during Christmas time. The author did an amazing job of re-connecting the two main characters who initially met as teens. They're as different as night and day, yet they work well together. He's a strait-laced cop; she's the epitome of a wild child. Add in the grumpy Ebenezer the cat, this story was humorous and quirky and fun!
Kelsey Navarro did an amazing job bringing the characters to life. Her distinctive tones and inflections for each character was great!
Merged review:
I love Christmas so I especially love stories set during Christmas time. The author did an amazing job of re-connecting the two main characters who initially met as teens. They're as different as night and day, yet they work well together. He's a strait-laced cop; she's the epitome of a wild child. Add in the grumpy Ebenezer the cat, this story was humorous and quirky and fun!
Kelsey Navarro did an amazing job bringing the characters to life. Her distinctive tones and inflections for each character was great!...more
I finished this book in a matter of hours. I shouldn’t have been surprised to have devoured this book. It’s been a minute since I’ve read a book by thI finished this book in a matter of hours. I shouldn’t have been surprised to have devoured this book. It’s been a minute since I’ve read a book by the author. Every single time, I get reeled in and hooked until I come to the ending.
Sarah is the pastor’s daughter. She’s the epitome of good. Listens to her parents, does well in school, dates the son of good friends of the family, Matt, whom she hasn’t done anything with except chase kisses. And then his older brother Isaac comes home and suddenly she’s not content to be living her life the same way. It’s ironic how the resident bad boy is the one who sees the real her, sees the passion and the dreams in her eyes, and understands just what she needs to be utterly and completely happy. Now she doesn’t want to go to college, date Matt, work at his family’s farm stand, or follow her father’s stringent rules. Isaac gives her a taste of everything she craves.
“Isaac didn’t just see who I was; he saw everything I wanted to be.”
“I’m just saying I like who I get to be when I’m with him.” She squinted. “And who is that?” I lifted a shoulder. “Myself.”
And then tragedy strikes. Everyone thought Sarah was there but she wasn’t which brings a plethora of questions. And a whole lot of tears (note to my future self: refrain from reading books by this author on airplanes). That tragedy and the myriad of secrets that were revealed gave Sarah the push she needed to live her true life. And that was with Isaac doing everything she loved. He recognized her talent, her passion, her drive and gave her the opportunities she needed to do it.
“In him, I found myself.”
I couldn’t help but sob quietly throughout the rest of the book as Sarah gained confidence and control while Isaac stood by her.
I received an advance copy of this book at my request and voluntarily left this review....more
There's something about the Sylver men that makes one fall hard. Clay may have been gruff and solitary, set in his ways, and singl4.5 out of 5 stars!
There's something about the Sylver men that makes one fall hard. Clay may have been gruff and solitary, set in his ways, and single by design, but when it came to Mavis and Dutton he was a big teddy bear. He's liked her from afar, but circumstances kept him from acting on it. Now that she's back in town, he's not going to pass up his chance.
"Because I had a proclivity for alpha-holes instead of cinnamon rolls in my life..."
While Mavis embraced Dutton's uniqueness, she knew others weren't as open. But when this cinnamon roll of a man treats her son the way she treats him, she falls. Couple that with the way the rest of the Sylver clan embraces Mavis and Dutton...can we say these characters really tugged at the heartstrings?
"Life is the fairy tale, if you look in all the little cracks and corners..."
Everyone's fairy tale is different. Some are not so obvious. Some are tucked in deep corners. For Clay and Mavis, the fairy tale began in the most bizarre way, but the happy ending was what they all got and deserved. Clay had thought his days of raising kids was over and done with; raising his siblings was something he didn't want but did. Now that Mavis and Dutton are in his life, he can't think of anywhere else he'd rather be than being a partner to Mavis and father to Dutton.
"Love her hard. Let her love you hard, too."
Indeed.
Then we have the audiobook.... Willa James and Oliver Highpoint are new to me narrators. These new voices really brought out the characters' personalities for me and brought the story to life. Chef's kiss!
I received an advance copy of this book at my request and voluntarily left this review....more
I loved Zara and Gabriel! From the moment they met, Gabriel was the quintessential man. He was kind, personable, respectful, and ge4.5 out of 5 stars!
I loved Zara and Gabriel! From the moment they met, Gabriel was the quintessential man. He was kind, personable, respectful, and genuine. A breath of fresh air for Zara after catching her fiancé cheating on her. She was only in town to regroup, not fall for this single father cowboy. But Gabriel is an addiction of sorts. She can’t get involved but she can’t stop either. I loved their relationships with the families and friends. Even though this book is part of a series (I haven’t read the first three), it is a standalone. The author does an amazing job of explaining the backstory without giving us the entire plots of the other books in the series. This is why I’ll always pick up a book by the author. No matter where I start in a series, I don’t feel lost.
I received an advance copy of this book at my request and voluntarily left this review. ...more
I totally didn't see that coming! Just like Emmett Noughton didn't see Briar Adams coming. Emmett uses humor to deflect his true fe4.5 out of 5 stars!
I totally didn't see that coming! Just like Emmett Noughton didn't see Briar Adams coming. Emmett uses humor to deflect his true feelings and nervousness. He has ideas about how to make the ranch more profitable but his ideas are often struck down as not serious because it's Emmett. All this makes his character tug at your heartstrings. But then Briar waltzes into his life. She's Gillian's half sister (The One I Left Behind) and she's used to her sister taking over and making things easier for her. She's moved back and has a job as a yoga instructor secured by Gillian. Emmett and Briar get each other, probably the only ones who truly know what it's like to be in the other's shoes. There are sparks and chemistry, no doubt. They show their true selves, vulnerabilities, deepest secrets. Emmett becomes the protector and cheerleader; Briar the same. Add in the talented vocal abilities of Ava Erickson and Jason Clarke as narrators and you one stellar story. Ava and Jason are long favorites of mine and hearing them voice Briar and Emmett was just icing on this cake!
I received advance copies of the e-book and audiobook at my request and voluntarily left this review....more
I'm so glad the author decided that Cherry Tree Harbor was not complete without Joe Lupo and Mabel Buckley's happily ever after! Ma4.5 out of 5 stars!
I'm so glad the author decided that Cherry Tree Harbor was not complete without Joe Lupo and Mabel Buckley's happily ever after! Mabel was lucky to have been sitting next to Joe when her anxiety-ridden self revealed all her darkest secrets. It was by chance that they met again and made it the perfect opportunity to mark off some of those things off Mabel's list. Except they didn't count on two pink lines to change their lives forever.
I loved the banter between Mabel and Joe. From the puns to the easy way they got along. They balanced each other out and brought out the best in the other. And oh, how Joe delivered! A little bit of an overachiever there, Mr. Lupo! And while it took a bit of time for Mabel and Joe to figure out how their lives would intertwine instead of continuing to intersect, this book was just what this series needed to round it out. Catching up with characters from the other books in the series was icing on this meet-cute, one night stand, accidental pregnancy rom-com!
I received an advance copy of this book at my request and voluntarily left this review....more
Daisy Larsson and Beckett Heyward were once step-siblings. Aside from Beckett's father, Beckett was the only other person who made Daisy's life bearabDaisy Larsson and Beckett Heyward were once step-siblings. Aside from Beckett's father, Beckett was the only other person who made Daisy's life bearable. Fast forward several years. Beckett's father has passed and Daisy inherits half of the vineyard. But it comes with many stipulations. Beckett's is irate at the thought of Daisy inheriting anything. He's convinced her mother Astrid is behind it all.
I loved the whole enemies to lovers, grumpy sunshine vibe that emanated throughout the story. It added to the banter between Daisy and Beckett. And all that hate??? Totally added to the steam! There were times when I wanted to knock Beckett's head because he didn't give Daisy the chance she deserved in the beginning. He was projecting all his animosity from her mother Astrid on to Daisy from the get-go. But, oh when the tables turned... and the author brought the steam! Then there was the break up. OMG BECKETT! His mea culpa moments. Their reunion. Sigh... all the feels for this couple and their story!
I received an advance copy of this book at my request and voluntarily left this review....more
I tried to read/listen as slow as I possibly could because I wanted to savor Thea and Shep's story. The author's talent for small t4.5 out of 5 stars!
I tried to read/listen as slow as I possibly could because I wanted to savor Thea and Shep's story. The author's talent for small town romantic suspense is what keeps me coming back for more. Even when the stories tear me apart and cause emotional damage. That's because by the end, the author's words of happily ever after have this healing power. I loved Shep's patience and respect for Thea's wants and needs, how he didn't push her or make her feel even more uncomfortable than she already did. His compassion and care let her know that she had the strength to take some risks because there were people who would be there for her whether she failed or succeeded. The suspense... trying to figure out who the culprit was (it's never who you think it is), suspecting everyone, and getting the surprising resolution. Always at the the edge of my seat!
Erin Mallon and Teddy Hamilton lent their amazing voices to the story. The characters and the story came to life. The narrators added to the mystery and suspense of the story with their tone of voice and talent.
I received an advance copy of this book at my request and voluntarily left this review....more
I've held off reading this book and I'm glad I did. Listening to book in duet narration made the story come to life. Dante and Vivi4.5 out of 5 stars!
I've held off reading this book and I'm glad I did. Listening to book in duet narration made the story come to life. Dante and Vivian's arranged marriage set in motion through blackmail didn't have hope in ending well, or so I thought. The angst and animosity was so palpable through Jacob Morgan and Emily Woo Zeller's duet narrations. So was the love and admiration that eventually happened. I did find the characters' reunification a bit lackluster, but it was redeemed through the emotion Dante evoked when he actually proposed. I have long been a fan of Jacob. It was amazing to hear his slight Italian accent for Dante. This is the first time I've heard Emily, but her talent shown through in her role as Vivian.
I received an advance copy of the audiobook at my request and voluntarily left this review.
Merged review:
4.5 out of 5 stars!
I've held off reading this book and I'm glad I did. Listening to book in duet narration made the story come to life. Dante and Vivian's arranged marriage set in motion through blackmail didn't have hope in ending well, or so I thought. The angst and animosity was so palpable through Jacob Morgan and Emily Woo Zeller's duet narrations. So was the love and admiration that eventually happened. I did find the characters' reunification a bit lackluster, but it was redeemed through the emotion Dante evoked when he actually proposed. I have long been a fan of Jacob. It was amazing to hear his slight Italian accent for Dante. This is the first time I've heard Emily, but her talent shown through in her role as Vivian.
I received an advance copy of the audiobook at my request and voluntarily left this review.
Merged review:
4.5 out of 5 stars!
I've held off reading this book and I'm glad I did. Listening to book in duet narration made the story come to life. Dante and Vivian's arranged marriage set in motion through blackmail didn't have hope in ending well, or so I thought. The angst and animosity was so palpable through Jacob Morgan and Emily Woo Zeller's duet narrations. So was the love and admiration that eventually happened. I did find the characters' reunification a bit lackluster, but it was redeemed through the emotion Dante evoked when he actually proposed. I have long been a fan of Jacob. It was amazing to hear his slight Italian accent for Dante. This is the first time I've heard Emily, but her talent shown through in her role as Vivian.
I received an advance copy of the audiobook at my request and voluntarily left this review.
Merged review:
4.5 out of 5 stars!
I've held off reading this book and I'm glad I did. Listening to book in duet narration made the story come to life. Dante and Vivian's arranged marriage set in motion through blackmail didn't have hope in ending well, or so I thought. The angst and animosity was so palpable through Jacob Morgan and Emily Woo Zeller's duet narrations. So was the love and admiration that eventually happened. I did find the characters' reunification a bit lackluster, but it was redeemed through the emotion Dante evoked when he actually proposed. I have long been a fan of Jacob. It was amazing to hear his slight Italian accent for Dante. This is the first time I've heard Emily, but her talent shown through in her role as Vivian.
I received an advance copy of the audiobook at my request and voluntarily left this review.
Merged review:
4.5 out of 5 stars!
I've held off reading this book and I'm glad I did. Listening to book in duet narration made the story come to life. Dante and Vivian's arranged marriage set in motion through blackmail didn't have hope in ending well, or so I thought. The angst and animosity was so palpable through Jacob Morgan and Emily Woo Zeller's duet narrations. So was the love and admiration that eventually happened. I did find the characters' reunification a bit lackluster, but it was redeemed through the emotion Dante evoked when he actually proposed. I have long been a fan of Jacob. It was amazing to hear his slight Italian accent for Dante. This is the first time I've heard Emily, but her talent shown through in her role as Vivian.
I received an advance copy of the audiobook at my request and voluntarily left this review....more
Two musical prodigies, one formally since a young age (Xander/Alex) and the other who picked it up at 11 years old (Gwen), meet and4.5 out of 5 stars!
Two musical prodigies, one formally since a young age (Xander/Alex) and the other who picked it up at 11 years old (Gwen), meet and personalities clash. It doesn't help the Gwen is a big fan of the music group that Xander is in or that they have literally worked together for the Manhattan Pops and Xander never paid her any attention. She's offered first chair, which Xander thought would go to him. After all his family founded the Pops. But Xander plays the cello now and hasn't proven he is deserving of the role at all. Gwen discovers who Xander really is and she has a difficult time reconciling the two parts of the same guy until they get to know each other better. The secondary characters, Xander's mother and Gwen's violin teacher, had their own history. Uncovering their story added to the drama of the story, and the resolution of that conflict helped Gwen and Xander's story evolve. Their romance was whirlwind, and they somehow brought out the best parts of each other when they created music together and were together as a couple. Playing an instrument was a big part of my life growing up so I could relate to the characters. Plus, music plays a big part in my life so I enjoyed the story.
I received an advance copy of this book at my request and voluntarily left this review....more
To say the author knows how to reel me into a story is an understatement. I have yet to find a book that doesn't pull me right in and leave me emotionTo say the author knows how to reel me into a story is an understatement. I have yet to find a book that doesn't pull me right in and leave me emotionally damaged by the end. There were multiple points of view in this story that was. a little confusing at first, but as the characters showed themselves and their personalities, I was able to follow along. The characters are introduced as part of a string of murder investigations. At first I wondered how all the things would connect, but the author wove a tale so vivid and enthralling that the thriller and suspense aspects kept me reading. There were times that I wished I could pick up the phone and call the author to ask who hurt her as the details are something else, but in the end it really all was the creation of an extremely talented storyteller. The moral of the story... wait and hope. And have some tissues handy.
I received an advance copy of this book at my request and voluntarily left this review....more
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