Tag: audiobook

Book Review: The Work of Art (Somerset Stories #1) by Mimi Matthews

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Rating: ★★★★★
Audience: Historical Romance
Length: 392 pages
Author: Mimi Matthews
Publisher: Perfectly Proper Press
Release Date: July 23rd, 2019
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

An Uncommon Beauty…
Hidden away in rural Devonshire, Phyllida Satterthwaite has always been considered more odd than beautiful. But in London, her oddity has made her a sensation. Far worse, it’s caught the eye of the sinister Duke of Moreland — a notorious art collector obsessed with acquiring one-of-a-kind treasures. To escape the duke’s clutches, she’s going to need a little help.

An Unlikely Hero…
Captain Arthur Heywood’s days of heroism are long past. Grievously injured in the Peninsular War, he can no longer walk unaided, let alone shoot a pistol. What use can he possibly be to a damsel in distress? He has nothing left to offer except his good name.

Can a marriage of convenience save Philly from the vengeful duke? Or will life with Arthur put her — and her heart — in more danger than ever?

STUNNING.

I just want to sit and read Mimi Matthews books all day. She is the QUEEN of closed door historical romances and I am obsessed.

This marriage of convenience story hit me in the feels. I adored our FMC Phyllida. She was filled with compassion and kindness and continually looked at the glass half full. All she wanted was a safe space to land and thank heavens for our unlikely hero, Arthur. Super swoony, PROTECTIVE (my kryptonite) and a wounded soul who found healing through love. And I love all of the heat that is still very much present without wide open doors. It’s tender and passionate. Everything I love seeing in romance books.

I thought the plot was interesting and I liked the little bit of mystery and intensity brought about by the awful Duke. I adored all of the dog content and how they played a true role in the story too. I just really love the way Matthews crafts stories. Her writing is gorgeous and fluid and brings about all of the emotions.

I am turning into a super fan and will not be turning back.

Overall audience notes:

  • Historical Romance
  • Language: very little
  • Romance: closed door
  • Violence: medium
  • Trigger/Content Warnings: loss of parents, war injuries, PTSD, gun violence, animal attacks, near death experiences

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Book Review: Spice Road (The Spice Road Trilogy #1) by Maiya Ibrahim

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Rating: ★★★☆
Audience: YA Fantasy
Length: 464 pages
Author: Maiya Ibrahim
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Release Date: January 24th, 2023
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

The first book in an epic fantasy series set in an Arabian-inspired land with secret spice magic. Raised to protect her nation from the monsters lurking in the sands, sixteen-year-old Imani must fight to find her brother, whose betrayal is now the country’s greatest threat.

In the hidden desert city of Qalia, there is secret spice magic that awakens the affinities of those who drink the misra tea. Sixteen-year-old Imani has the affinity for iron and is able to wield a dagger like no other warrior. She has garnered the reputation as being the next great Shield for battling djinn, ghouls, and other monsters spreading across the sands.

Her reputation has been overshadowed, however, by her brother, who tarnished the family name after it was revealed that he was stealing his nation’s coveted spice–a telltale sign of magical obsession. Soon after that, he disappeared, believed to have died beyond the Forbidden Wastes. Despite her brother’s betrayal, there isn’t a day that goes by when Imani doesn’t grieve him.

But when Imani discovers signs that her brother may be alive and spreading the nation’s magic to outsiders, she makes a deal with the Council that she will find him and bring him back to Qalia, where he will face punishment. Accompanied by other Shields, including Taha, a powerful beastseer who can control the minds of falcons, she sets out on her mission.

Imani will soon find that many secrets lie beyond the Forbidden Wastes–and in her own heart–but will she find her brother?

THOUGHTS.

This book has me feeling multiple different ways.

What did I like? I didn’t mind that Imani was an unlikeable character. Those tend to be my favorites AS LONG AS there are signs that they understand the need for change and growth in their own life. And I thought by the end Imani was starting to showcase some of that (and it’s a series, we’ve got time). The magic system is cool, needed more world building overall but I like what I know so far. I liked the sibling dynamics too. It came off as real with the bickering and also protecting them at all costs kind of vibes.

The romance has me the most up in the air. It definitely went a different way than I expected and I’m soooo very curious where that’s going to lead. I don’t mind not knowing after one book, it has me intrigued enough to read book two.

I don’t love traveling tropes and this was in abundance. Run over here, go over there, meh. It had one too many moments where I wanted them to stop moving for a second and lay some groundwork. And I need more Qayn. LOTS MORE Qayn.

I’m not upset I read this, I do think it’s a bit over hyped though. And I will be picking up the next book at least!

Overall audience notes:

  • YA Fantasy
  • Language: a little
  • Romance: kisses
  • Violence: med-high
  • Trigger/Content Warnings: physical and weapons violence, magical violence, torture (off page), animal death

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ALC Book Review: Ashes of You (Lost & Found #5) by Catherine Cowles

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Rating: ★★★★★
Audience: Romantic Suspense
Length: 401 pages
Author: Catherine Cowles
Publisher: Self Published
Release Date: February 8th, 2024
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

Five years ago, I nearly lost everything. But there was a glimmer of hope on that darkest night. There was him—a stranger I could never forget.

Now, I’m finally getting the fresh start I’ve longed for. But when I show up to interview for a nanny position in the small mountain town, the single dad has startlingly familiar blue eyes.

Eyes that have haunted my dreams for the past five years.

Lawson Hartley is everything I know I can’t have. Older, handsome, and my boss. Not to mention the shadows in his eyes that tell me he has demons, too.

Still, he seems to understand me better than anyone I’ve ever met. So gentle and careful of my scars, yet somehow making me believe I’m stronger than I ever thought possible.

And when his lips touch mine, I’m lost.

We find what we’ve been missing in each other. But the terrors of my past aren’t done with me yet, and this time, Lawson might not be able to save me..

Thank you to Catherine Cowles for the ALC.

WORTH THE WAIT.

Ohhhh I have been anxiously waiting for this final book for the Lost & Found series and I loved it, PER USUAL. It had all of my favorite hallmark Catherine Cowles moments and had me in a chokehold all day (yes, I listened to this in one day, I can’t be stopped — second note: these books are FABULOUS on audio). My favorite part of these books is the gasp, or I KNEW IT, that flies out of my mouth every time we get to that big reveal.

I loved the slow burn progression of Lawson and Hallie. Watching that soul mate type of bond cement between them was everrrrrrything. Gosh I loved it. And I am such a sucker for any and all protective hero types. And I got MULTIPLE scenes in that vein which made me a very happy reader.

The sub plots were touching and heartfelt and I loved how those wove back in to the main romance. I am in love with this entire family, all of these characters and I loved seeing everyone again.

Overall audience notes:

  • Romantic Suspense
  • Language: moderate strong
  • Romance: 2-3 brief open door
  • Violence: high
  • Trigger/Content Warnings: active serial killer, torture, near death experiences, weapons and gun violence, physical altercations

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Book Review: Date the Alphabet (Love Tucson #2) by Laura Langa

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Rating: ★★★★
Audience: Contemporary Romance
Length: 315 pages
Author: Laura Langa
Publisher: West East Publishing
Release Date: July 24th, 2023
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

Fake date to win four thousand dollars for charity? You bet.

Going on twenty-six first dates—one for each letter of the alphabet—is a ludicrous proposition. Especially since Ann Powell doesn’t date. AT ALL. But if Ann takes her sister’s bet, she’ll win four thousand dollars to donate to a cause close to her heart—underfunded classrooms.

Audiobook narrator Zane West has been struggling to hide his crush on his daughter’s third grade teacher for months. So when Ann asks him—in a moment of dating-app misery—to be her fake date to her sister’s wedding, the only answer is yes.

Pretending to be the cheerful, handsome, single father’s girlfriend isn’t only fun, it’s feeling dangerously real. And as much as they need to sell their fake relationship to her family, no one else can know. Dating the parent of one of your students is definitely off-limits.

Zane only falls harder for Ann through each piano karaoke session, sabotaged hike, and unexpected javelina encounter. Just as she begins to let him in, reality pulverizes their blissful bubble. An honest relationship with Ann is all Zane wants, but now he might be forced to let her go.

OH SO SWEET.

This book owned me for an evening and I adored it so much. I love how much Zane was gone for Ann from the moment he saw her. And that it didn’t feel like instant love either!! Langa wrote a beautiful soul mate vibe that I was here for.

I loved the subtle side pieces like Zane being on good terms with his ex-wife and co-parenting. I feel we often see the bad sides in books and I loved getting a positive take on a relationship that was no longer beneficial to either party but were both still their to take care of their child.

Ann and Zane had all the chemistry and the closed door steam? YES PLEASE. This is my favorite zone to be in and I really appreciated how well written this was. It’s a quick audiobook and this is a closed door author you shouldn’t be sleeping on!

Overall audience notes:

  • Contemporary Romance
  • Language: very little
  • Romance: closed door

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