Tag: audible originals

Book Review: The Tempest Blade (The Bridge Kingdom #6) by Danielle L. Jensen

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Rating: ★★★★★
Audience: Fantasy Romance
Length: 26 hrs
Author: Danielle L. Jensen
Publisher: Audible Originals
Release Date: October 9th, 2025
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

The heart-pounding finale to the USA Today bestselling Bridge Kingdom series.

A fugitive on the run, Ahnna has one return to Ithicana with warning of the greatest threat her homeland has ever faced. But as she escapes into the wilderness, it is with the man who broke her heart hunting at her heels—and James wants more than justice. He wants revenge.

Desperate to prove his loyalty to his family, James ventures into dangerous territory to capture his father’s killer. But the longer he follows Ahnna’s trail, the more his certainty of her guilt is tested—and the more the passion they once shared reignites.

As schemes twist tighter and war brews, Ahnna and James discover that the enemy isn’t each other—it is the masterminds manipulating them both in pursuit of power. Yet their greatest obstacle remains, because their loyalties are to opposing sides in the battle to come. As the storms of the Tempest Seas lower their defenses, James and Ahnna must choose where their hearts on the battlefield, or in each other’s arms.

BEST DANG CONCLUSION I COULD HAVE IMAGINED.

Tis no surprise, I am a DLJ stan. Easily one of my top five favorite fantasy authors WITH GOOD REASON Y’ALL. The first two books in this series are a duo I reread practically every year and I can declare that this is number three on my favorite list for this series. BECAUSE OMG.

I’m so happy that we got all the POV’s!!!! It felt epic and enhanced and getting every nuanced angle from all of the powerful players of this series was exactly what the ending needed. I was shocked that I barely noticed this book was 26 hours long. Every page has depth and is packed with action and longing and begging for everything to end up okay.

DLJ writes fantastic twists and intense scenes. The emotions I am forcibly put through are exactly what my dreams are made of when I pick up a book like this. MAKE ME FEEL SOMETHING.

Anyways, I’m obsessed with every character, every love story, and literally every single thing about this book. DO NOT PASS THIS SERIES UP. IT IS COMPLETE. YOU HAVE NO EXCUSE NOW.

Overall audience notes:

  • Fantasy Romance
  • Language: moderate
  • Romance: 3-4ish open door
  • Violence: high
  • Content warnings: war themes and loss of life, a baby nearly drowns, near death experiences, animal attacks

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Book Review: Maybe This Time by Cara Bastone

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Rating: ★★★★
Audience: Contemporary Romance
Length: 5h 45 min audiobook
Author: Cara Bastone
Publisher: Audible Originals
Release Date: May 2nd, 2024
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

Finding true love is only a matter of time in this heartfelt and hilarious romantic comedy, starring Zoë Chao (The Afterparty), Noah Reid (Schitt’s Creek), and a full cast!

Romance can be a little complicated when you get sucked into a wormhole. Just ask high school English teacher June Flint. One little solar flare happens and suddenly you find yourself 85 years in the future. Eighty-five years from your dream job. Your ailing mother whose only companion in this world is you. Your favorite stuffed-crust pizza from DeLucia’s on Sunday nights.

But when June’s cell phone inexplicably picks up a signal, she’s able to call back to the present—more specifically, four weeks before she accidentally time traveled. Problem is, the phone can only call one number: her work nemesis, gym teacher Mikey Shannon.

Now future June must help Mikey befriend present-day June to keep her from disappearing. But present-day June doesn’t even want to be in the same room as Mikey, let alone become besties. And Mikey isn’t exactly…talkie. Yet he’s spending hours a day with future June on the phone, and even more time trying to befriend present-day June. Volunteering with June at school, check. Facing his fear of roller coasters to make June smile, check. Adopting a puppy and letting her name it. Check.

But what does succeeding in the present mean for future June, and for the serious feelings she and Mikey are starting to catch for one another? Stopping time travel is one thing—but can they stop themselves from falling in love?

FUN AND QUIRKY.

I’ve come to really enjoy Cara Bastone’s audiobooks. They are fun and light and bring a smile to my face. I thought the concept of this one was unique and brought in a bunch of quirks that worked for the story being told.

I liked the dynamic between Mikey and June. Their phone calls were sweet and I loved the way they go to know each other on different levels and at different times. Things came together exactly as they should and this is a quick read if you’re needing something new to listen to.

Overall audience notes:

  • Contemporary Romance
  • Language: low
  • Romance: kisses

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Book Review: How to Lose a Guy Before Christmas by A.J. Pine

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Rating: ★★★
Audience: Contemporary Holiday Romance
Length: 5 hrs 24 mins
Author: AJ Pine
Publisher: Audible Originals
Release Date: November 16th, 2023
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

A steamy, laugh-out-loud romantic comedy about mistakes we make and the chances we take on the road to love.

After a snowstorm grounds her flight, Lucy makes a last-ditch effort to get home for Christmas using a rideshare app. She thinks she’ll be taking a road trip with a stranger…but the guy who shows up is someone she knows all too well. He’s the hookup she ghosted a few months ago, and now she’ll be stuck in a car with him for the most awkward road trip of her life.

Making matters worse, he’s even more gorgeous than she remembers—too bad things between them are frostier than the North Pole. Will the long ride home allow them to get to know each other in surprising new ways? And more importantly, will the season warm things up and send sparks flying yet again? Whatever happens, one thing is clear: It’s going to take a whole lot of Christmas magic to unlock their guarded hearts.

IT WAS CUTE.

This was a cute and fast read from Audible. Picked it up on a whim and it’s a good holiday listen. A small town full of odd eccentricities and Christmas cheer.

I liked the second chance vibes and that there was some good communication (though the third act kind of took away from that). I don’t have any intense feelings about this, just a good and simple read.

Overall audience notes:

  • Contemporary Holiday Romance
  • Language: some strong
  • Romance: 2-3 open
  • Violence: low

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Book Review: The Twisted Throne (The Bridge Kingdom #5) by Danielle L. Jensen

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Rating: ★★★★★
Audience: Fantasy Romance
Length: 496 pages
Author: Danielle L. Jensen
Publisher: Audible Originals
Release Date: October 10th, 2024
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

A commander who bled to defend her people, Ahnna is haunted by two beliefs. The first is that she failed to protect Ithicana from invasion. And the second is that saving her homeland means leaving it behind forever.

The Maridrinians left Ithicana in ruins and its people impoverished. So when the wealthy kingdom of Harendell claims her as a bride for its crown prince, Ahnna is prepared to do whatever it takes to gain influence as the future queen. And to control the gold that comes with the throne.

Yet Ahnna swiftly discovers that beneath the beautiful surface of Harendell’s court is a dark underbelly built upon schemes, duplicity, and the pursuit of power. The only individual who holds himself above the politics is not her future husband, but his infuriating half brother, James. And as she begins to question whether Harendell is the ally it claims to be, Ahnna finds herself drawn into a forbidden attraction to the wrong prince.

As deadly plots tighten around her, Ahnna must decide whether saving her people will be achieved as a bride…or as a blade.

AT LAST.

I am so happy to finally have this book in my hands (or ears because this is only audio right now). And I really loved that I thought it brought back some nostalgic original The Bridge Kingdom vibes (aka books 1 and 2). I do adore Kerris & Zarrah but I had a harder time connecting with their story so Ahnna and James’ was right up my alley.

I loved the new characters and the new ruthless areas that I hadn’t seen yet. There’s a lot more politicking and twists and betrayals. And I looove the way DLJ writes action scenes. They always put me on the edge of my seat.

Another forbidden romance that built slow and had intensely curious how this book was going to shake out. I loved the dynamic between Ahnna and James too. The passion and chemistry was there and sooo many good swoon moments. I loved getting more of Ahnna’s mindset and thoughts behind things that have happened over the series too.

I loved the dramatic cliffhanger and can’t wait for the last book!!!

Overall audience notes:

  • Fantasy Romance
  • Language: low-moderate
  • Romance: low innuendo, 2ish open door
  • Violence: high

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