There were moments Over the course of this story when I wasn’t sure I was going to be able to make it to the end. The-- AUDIO REVIEW --
Wow. Just. Wow.
There were moments Over the course of this story when I wasn’t sure I was going to be able to make it to the end. The emotions got INTENSE for a while and my heart hurt so much even as my head recognized the authenticity of...everything. The characters and the insanely powerful emotions that poured out of them were written with such honesty and realness that it felt like I was part of their story. And that HURT sometimes.
Particularly Clara, who was written in such a perfectly real teenager voice - in the most ugly and most beautiful ways. As a mom, my heart cracked wide open for her. As a reader I wanted to give her a good shake. She was all of us, in our most heartbroken and insecure moments, and I’m not sure I’m ever going to get over that.
And Morgan - oof. I’m hurting even thinking back over the course of her character arc. In the face of such unimaginable awfulness, I admired her fire, even as I wanted to knock her and Clara's heads together. But I felt her. I loved her. I rooted for her.
So complex!
You see what I’m saying? These characters and this storyline are so wonderfully, awfully complex. Ms. Hoover doesn’t shy away from the hard hits, and the tarnish that life puts on all of us.
But I didn’t start crying until she made them shine again.
It's not all heartache and sadness. There's a brutal beauty tucked into these pages and as much as I hurt for these characters, my heart fluttered for them too. I smiled so hard. I even swooned! It was sometimes so hard to listen to, but it was always impossible to step away. And I haven't even touched on the romance and all the butterflies and happy tears that were delivered!
Regretting You is an emotional masterpiece. Bubble wrap your heart and dive on in. Worth it. 100%. ~ Shelly, 5 Stars...more
Oh holy crap. Where do I even start? This book was pure delight. Pure goodness. Absolute gold, romantic comedy perfection.
As a born -- AUDIO REVIEW --
Oh holy crap. Where do I even start? This book was pure delight. Pure goodness. Absolute gold, romantic comedy perfection.
As a born & raised, "ope" and "uffda" uttering, card carrying Minnesotan I was utterly charmed by -- well, everything about this story, I adored these characters and their quirks and their adorable (unbiased opinion) accents SO MUCH. They were ADORABLE. And likable. And the storyline maybe should have felt over-the-top sometimes, but that's not how it came off. It was just hilarious.
Laugh out loud hilarious.
People looking at me funny while I belly laugh in my car while listening -- hilarious.
And the narration?
Y'all, I liked Andi Arndt just fine before. But this? This was next level. She was phenomenal. She was the absolute perfect narrator for this book and I have a whole new appreciation and respect for her. She was so amazing.
I can't say enough good things about this book. It was a complete joy. Romantic and witty and wholly engaging - I cannot recommend this highly enough! ~ Shelly, 5 Stars...more
Some books were just made for the audio experience. While I listen to them, I think how happy I am to be experiencing it through the-- AUDIO REVIEW --
Some books were just made for the audio experience. While I listen to them, I think how happy I am to be experiencing it through the narrators rather than from the written pages. JUST MY TYPE was absolutely one of those books. From the perfect casting to the fantastic story itself, this was simply audiobook perfection!
Seriously, I consider myself a bit of a romcom snob. I’m very picky and what seems to be funny to everyone else, doesn’t always work for me. But this book? This book made me belly laugh. Out loud. On more than one occasion. And when I wasn’t laughing, I was smiling like crazy because it’s adorable, and heartwarming, and it just felt so good.
One of my all time favorite audio experiences so far, I loved every single thing about this book! ~ Shelly, 5 Stars...more
This book, like the series it’s set in, grabbed hold of me immediately and held me in thrall until the very last minute.
It’s ugly. -- AUDIO REVIEW --
This book, like the series it’s set in, grabbed hold of me immediately and held me in thrall until the very last minute.
It’s ugly. Violent. Gritty and raw and hard to stomach sometimes.
Also?
Lovely. Beautiful. Stunning and wildly addicting. I’m not even kidding. I can’t get enough and the end of each book, while rewarding in its own right, just leaves me hungry for more.
If dark, edgy, and a little wild is you’re thing? You won’t be disappointed here. And the narration is maybe my favorite thing at all. Perfect for these characters and these stories. After binge listening to the first five books, I think I not only found a new author to love, but two new favorite narrators as well.
So good! Definitely recommend! ~ Shelly, 4 Stars...more
I was super excited to get Bear’s story. What a compelling, fascinating, and dead sexy character. And? He didn’t disappoint.
Lawless -- AUDIO REVIEW --
I was super excited to get Bear’s story. What a compelling, fascinating, and dead sexy character. And? He didn’t disappoint.
Lawless is the same sort of gritty, addicting, ugly beautiful story as the rest of the books in this series so far. And I keep gobbling it up enthusiastically and insatiably.
In the end, Lawless was lacking a little something for me that kept it being quite on par with King and Tyrant, but I loved it all the same. The narrators, as always, are perfection. For me this is the PERFECT series to listen to, I love getting the nuances in tone and delivery that these narrators excel at.
I am as addicted as ever and off to get myself down from this cliffy! ~ Shelly, 4 Stars...more
Good grief, these books. They’re not soft, or sweet, or all that romantic. Yet here I sit with eyes brimming full of happy tears aft-- AUDIO REVIEW --
Good grief, these books. They’re not soft, or sweet, or all that romantic. Yet here I sit with eyes brimming full of happy tears after another T.M. Frazier rollercoaster ride.
This was the conclusion to King and Doe’s story. Like I said, there’s not a ton of romance in here, and these characters spend the majority of this story apart. And yet my heart didn’t get that memo. It sat, fully attached to this unlikely couple, and cheered them on the entire way. Every brutal, ugly minute and every whispered tender sentiment. It was here for the whole package, and it is not disappointed.
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention how perfect Rob Shapiro is as the narrator in these books. His voice carries that perfect raspy, rough around the edges tone that seems fitting to these characters. And he nailed it in this story - every gritty emotion was on full display and I loved every minute. Molly Glenmore is no slouch either. These books are perfectly cast.
In all - another easy five stars and a ramping up in my addiction to this series. I can’t seem to get enough, and will be diving right back in for more! ~ Shelly, 5 Stars...more
This book. Holy Hannah, this book was such a wild ride. I had to pause for a minute to figure out how to rate it because sometimes i-- AUDIO REVIEW --
This book. Holy Hannah, this book was such a wild ride. I had to pause for a minute to figure out how to rate it because sometimes it was uncomfortable to listen to. Sometimes it was horrifying to listen to. Sometimes I absolutely didn’t want to be hearing what I was hearing.
And yet?
I couldn’t walk away. I was held in thrall with baited breath, needing to know what would happen next.
There’s a love story here. But it’s 100 shades of messed up. And yet, I felt it. And I want more of it. I need to know what happens next. So that right there? Well I guess that’s a dang good book. So, five stars it is. ~ Shelly, 5 Stars...more
It’s been a minute since I read anything even remotely dark. I haven’t felt like my heart was strong enough to stand it. And yet, th-- AUDIO REVIEW --
It’s been a minute since I read anything even remotely dark. I haven’t felt like my heart was strong enough to stand it. And yet, this book has been softly calling my name for years, so I finally queued it up, and dove in with a fair amount of apprehension.
And then? I never wanted to stop listening. I was sucked in Immediately. My heart ached for Abby and the many, many ways the world failed her. But man, what a fierce, strong - no - indomitable heroine. It was a pleasure to cheer her on.
There’s no flowery romance here. Honestly, there’s not much romance at all, but it still felt incredibly satisfying. The storytelling is compelling and the narration worked for me completely. I’m so happy I finally took the plunge on this one and will definitely be seeking out more where this came from. ~ Shelly, 5 Stars...more
I love sports romance more than anything, so after finding myself in a bit of a slump, I decided to give this book a whirl and it ab-- AUDIO REVIEW --
I love sports romance more than anything, so after finding myself in a bit of a slump, I decided to give this book a whirl and it absolutely did not disappoint. It’s full of the sort of smart humor and sparky chemistry that I love. There’s a bonafide villain and sweetly rewarding friendships and - best of all - a romance that absolutely reads like a fairytale.
I loved it! The narration was great, the story was just what I was looking for and I shed some happy tears in the end. Definitely worth the listen!...more
I really wasn’t sure what to make of this cook at first. It got off with a bang (um, literally) and was not at all what I expected. -- AUDIO REVIEW --
I really wasn’t sure what to make of this cook at first. It got off with a bang (um, literally) and was not at all what I expected. But having just listened to the last line, I can appreciate that for what it was: a full picture into Viper’s life which ultimately made his character arc so much more meaningful.
There are some pretty intense emotional punches in this story. They’re layered between these delicate moments of lightness and humor and the end result felt richly rewarding. I wasn’t always comfortable with the story, but I loved it nonetheless.
In all? Absolutely worth the listen. The narration was great and the storyline was compelling, heartbreaking and then heartwarming and so so satisfying. Loved it! ~ Shelly, 4 Stars...more
I don’t know why I was reluctant to pick up this book. There is nothing this author has written that I have felt anything less than -- AUDIO REVIEW --
I don’t know why I was reluctant to pick up this book. There is nothing this author has written that I have felt anything less than complete adoration for. And yet I kept putting this one off?
Don’t be a me.
Gah! This book was so good! MS. Zapata is the queen of the slow burn and I lost myself in every delicious moment of this one.
I even loved the narration. I had seen some reviews with complaints but honestly, I thought it was great. Done in a way that allowed me to get lost in the story rather than distracting me from it, and still capturing the essence of the characters.
I loved it! Start to finish, and definitely recommend! ~ Shelly, 5 Stars...more
Balancing the perfect blend of humor, heartfelt emotion, with just a small serving of darkness, this book was everything I’ve come t-- AUDIO REVIEW --
Balancing the perfect blend of humor, heartfelt emotion, with just a small serving of darkness, this book was everything I’ve come to expect from this author over the course of this fantastic series.
I adored it. I loved catching back up with Casey and Jake, and watching their relationship grow deeper and more solid. I loved seeing their growth and their commitment to their love. It was just beautiful. Heartbreaking. Sometimes brutally so. But gosh, so stunningly beautiful.
Another solid five star audio experience for me. I’m hooked on this author forever now. She’s never getting rid of me! ~ Shelly, 5 Stars...more
I was going to patiently wait for this to come out in ebook to review, but then noticed that the audio is narrated by two of my abso-- AUDIO REVIEW --
I was going to patiently wait for this to come out in ebook to review, but then noticed that the audio is narrated by two of my absolute favorite narrators, and so in the end, I had to listen!
And I was not disappointed! The story kicks off with a bang, and this author uses her gift of weaving tapestries with her stories by giving us one that is part mystery, part adventure, and part romance - all seamlessly tied together in a nearly flawless package.
I loved this story! As predicted, the narration was perfect for me and I fell into listening without a hitch. I haven’t been disappointed by this author yet, and this was another easy five star audio experience! ~ Shelly, 5 Stars...more
I can’t stop being blown away by these books. I had no idea, when I picked up Cake, that I was in for such a wild, emotional, multi--- AUDIO REVIEW --
I can’t stop being blown away by these books. I had no idea, when I picked up Cake, that I was in for such a wild, emotional, multi-layered ride. I had no idea that, three books in, I’d still feel so needy for more. No idea that the punches would hit so hard, or that my heart would feel so full.
I had a moment of doubt when I first started Fiercely Emma. I mean, Emma is not an easy heroine and I was worried I would have a hard time connecting with her. However I’m learning that J. Bengtsson has a gift for tapestry weaving. That is, all the threads of this book weave together to make a bigger picture that is complicated, intricate, and absolutely stunning.
I am blown away. I adored Emma and Finn’s story. I cannot get enough of this storytelling style that blends amazing light-hearted, laugh-out-loud moments with deep, hard-hitting, emotional ones with a pinch of darkness thrown in. The end result is a potent, addictive combination.
The narration, again, was perfect. I adore these narrators who allow me to slide so effortlessly into the story, becoming the voices of these characters, rather than distracting from them.
All that is to say that this was another easy, enthusiastic five star experience. I laughed, I cried, and I lost my heart to Emma and Finn. These books are everything my little romance loving heart could ever ask for, and I am absolutely going back for more!...more
The burn in The Theory of Second Best is slow. Like, really slow. And that’s not saying that the story itself is slow, because it’s -- AUDIO REVIEW --
The burn in The Theory of Second Best is slow. Like, really slow. And that’s not saying that the story itself is slow, because it’s absolutely not. It just takes a long time for the romance to set up and then even longer for it to catch fire.
But it was so worth it.
Sooooo worth it.
Because what we get while we’re waiting for that burn to fire up is a completely emotional and compelling back-story. We go back in time to the beginning of CAKE and get a different perspective. And things definitely look different from Kyle’s point of view.
It’s interesting and heartbreaking and I was swept up in it immediately.
By the time Kenzie fully entered the picture, I was already done. I sometimes get impatient with the lack of romance in my romance, but in this case the other storylines were every bit as emotional and gripping and so the end result was this full perfect package.
This package packs some punches. Don’t let the reality tv storyline fool you. There was laughter, lots of it. But also tears. My emotions took a wild ride and I loved every single minute.
I’m hungry for more of this story. I am awed and fascinated by the McKallister family and all-in with my love for them. Going back, immediately, for more of where this came from!...more
This is a book I’ve had my eye on for ages. I would see it in passing and think to myself that it sounded like something I would enj-- AUDIO REVIEW --
This is a book I’ve had my eye on for ages. I would see it in passing and think to myself that it sounded like something I would enjoy. I finally decided to bite the bullet and check it out on audible, and - ohmygosh you guys it was SO GOOD!
I’m kicking myself now for putting it off for so long. Casey and Jake were so compelling to me. Their story was so perfectly told: one part witty, flirty, and fun; one part emotional, heartbreaking, and completely gripping. It was written in such an engaging way, and the narrators did a fantastic job, their voices became the characters and I lost myself in the story for hours at a time.
In all? I was completely addicted to this story and can not wait to dive into the next one!
I need a minute to regroup after reading this book as I'm almost paralyzed from the influx of emotions Long Shot has evoked in me. August and Iris werI need a minute to regroup after reading this book as I'm almost paralyzed from the influx of emotions Long Shot has evoked in me. August and Iris were just everything. This story was absolutely breathtaking but filled to the brim with the most painful and soul-battering scenes. I ached for Iris and August and everything they went through individually in order to come together when they did.
This novel has been life-changing. I had never read a Kennedy Ryan story before and decided to start with the one book that people told me about and let me tell you - it was phenomenal!! I felt shackled right along with Iris during her darkest days and rooted for her to be strong for her daughter. Her lovestory with August was for the ages, however. It was powerful and transformative and ultimately uplifting. I cried and wept for them both and rooted for Iris and August from the beginning. I absolutely loved this story as it equally left me deliriously happy, gutted and emotionally drained.
All in all, after this story I am left feeling like Ryan is an unequivocally outstanding storyteller and is absolutely brilliant. I felt like I was a part of the story at all times. I was sitting with them in the bar falling in love, holding her hand in that closet during one of her darkest points and alongside her taking her first real breath after coming into the light. What an amazing story! 5 stars! ~Ratula
***
-- AUDIO REVIEW --
Wow.
Just...wow.
This book is not for the faint of heart. I am emotionally wrecked right now. I cannot think of a single emotion that went untouched. From horrified to heartbroken to hopeful - and now, I sit here with the closing credits rolling, my heart so full of sweetness I don't even know how to handle it.
Just. Wow.
This book was an experience. And not always a pleasant one. I had to take breaks and walk away. I wanted to stop, and yet the storytelling was so masterful and compelling that I couldn't. I needed more. I needed the whole story. And I am so glad I stuck with it because y'all - this story was so important.
This is the best and the worst of real life.
This was authentic, gritty, raw and Ms. Ryan spared no punches. But it was also just stunning in its beauty, in its portrayal of the strength and resilience of a broken heroine. In its depiction of a hero so steadfast and true that my heart won't ever let him go.
The narration was flawless. These narrators became the characters and I think it amplified the high emotion of the book all the more to hear it play out. This was perfect casting and an incredible audio experience.
My God y'all, what else can I say? This book was simply phenomenal and while I still feel like the pieces of my heart are mending after all the ways it was shattered, I could not be more glad to have taken this journey with Iris and August. So many stars. All the stars. Read this book. ~ Shelly, 5+++ stars ...more
I am so hooked! This story just ended and I am positively fidgeting with the excitement to dive into the next one. This was a doozy -- AUDIO REVIEW --
I am so hooked! This story just ended and I am positively fidgeting with the excitement to dive into the next one. This was a doozy of a cliffy and I am dying for more!
There’s so much to love about this story. It’s a Cinderella story at its heart, but it’s definitely not your mama’s Cinderella. With entitled alpha-holes and a gang of mean girls, there are shades of darkness running through this book, but that just made the butterflies feel more intense.
The narration was flawless, perfect for Ella and not distracting at all from the story. I loved it and can’t wait to find out what happens next! ~ Shelly, 5 Stars...more
What do you get when you cross a scene stealing raccoon, a hot and sexy firefighter, a geeky and smart and beautiful virgin, a sex toy factory and smaWhat do you get when you cross a scene stealing raccoon, a hot and sexy firefighter, a geeky and smart and beautiful virgin, a sex toy factory and small town, sometimes small-minded people? Shenanigans, wild and crazy shenanigans.
Such wild and crazy shenanigans that you find yourself grinning like a fool, laughing aloud at the outrageous of some of the hilarious situations Cassie and Ryan find themselves in. Seriously, I need those rules for dildo football STAT. And someone make a book with all the texts between Cassie and her sister ASAP.
Hosed is by far the funniest book I have read this year—yeah, it’s early, but the bar is set very high to surpass my enjoyment. ~ Missy, 5 George Cooney stars
***
-- AUDIO REVIEW --
This is a really light, sweet, fun romance. But y’all? George the trash panda stole the show. And no. I’m not even kidding.
Seriously, this is romantic comedy at its finest. A little campy, a little zany, but with a whole lot of heart. I wasn’t really sure how it was going to work for me when it first started, but my heart jumped on board quickly and it swooned and fluttered over the adorableness of Cassie and Ryan’s love story.
And for real? George was the source of a lot of laughs. I was fond of him throughout the story, but he gets his own epilogue and...I. Died. Amazing. Hilarious. And so strangely adorable. I absolutely loved it!
Jacob Morgan and Virginia Rose did a fantastic job with the narration. A quick, easy, sweetly silly audio experience and I’m on board for more! ~ Shelly, 4 Stars...more
Seriously, this series is so addicting! It’s like a soap opera - with all the drama and angst and villains and heroes. And I can NOT-- AUDIO REVIEW --
Seriously, this series is so addicting! It’s like a soap opera - with all the drama and angst and villains and heroes. And I can NOT get enough of it!
I fell so in love with Nolan and Reed’s story in Waiting on the Sidelines And was so happy to get more of them in Going Long. The ride was just as bumpy this time as it was in the first book, but I never wanted it to end. I mean, I maybe sometimes wanted to give them a good shake, but I still rooted for them every step of the way.
Emotional and compelling and beautifully narrated, this was another huge Ginger Scott hit for me! ~ Shelly...more
Ginger Scott knows her way around a young adult book. I mean, I was sucked into this one immediately and held spellbound while Nolan-- AUDIO REVIEW --
Ginger Scott knows her way around a young adult book. I mean, I was sucked into this one immediately and held spellbound while Nolan and Reed navigated their way through all kinds of angst and drama that felt so authentic to the high school experience. Plus: epic love.
I LOVED their love story. I hung on every twist and turn and bump in the road they encountered. I was here for their drama, 100% - and left wanting more. The narration was flawless and pulled me right into the story. I literally couldn’t get enough, and definitely recommend!...more
GAH!! Hollywood Playboy has officially blindsided me!! This five star read came of nowhere as I was expecting a nice, light, easy read and was completGAH!! Hollywood Playboy has officially blindsided me!! This five star read came of nowhere as I was expecting a nice, light, easy read and was completely blown away by the emotional depth, uber sexy characters and heart-stopping angst! This story was so damn delicious!! I read it in one sitting and was so addicted I could not put it down. The emotions it evoked were sooo profound. I laughed, cried, swooned and raged. I loved their chemistry and banter and was all about Tyler and Jessica's story. This swoony enemies to lovers romance was EVERYTHING!!
Without giving away any spoilers, Jessica Hawthorn and Tyler Beckett have an acrimonious relationship. When Jessica, a renowned Entertainment Journalist is chosen as one of a select number of reporters to accompany Hollywood heartthrob, Tyler, on a thirty day press tour, she never would have expected how up close and personal she would get with this badboy. But as the nights go long and boundaries get crossed she realizes how easy it is to love this Hollywood Playboy.
I FLOVED this story! It was emotional and intense and so sexy! Jessica was sassy and strong and gave as good as she got. She was the perfect match for Tyler. He was an alpha with a heart of gold and it was absolutely amazing seeing them look past their initial judgments about one another! I can't wait for Kellie and Brian's book! Bravo! 5 stars! ~Ratula
****
How much do you love it when a book basically gobsmacks you, takes you by complete surprise as to just how much you loved it?
That’s me with my immense enjoyment of Hollywood Playboy. Honestly, I started reading around midnight, just wanting to start and maybe read two to three chapters. Well, that didn’t happen. Nope. I read the whole damn book! Much to the dismay of my tired eyes and body! Nothing but a little sleep deprivation, right?
I couldn’t read Tyler and Jessica’s story fast enough. The inner workings of Hollywood and the behind the scenes craziness that goes along with movie promotions, celebrity gossip and the difficulties in having a “real” relationship amidst all the fakeness that surrounds them kept me fully engaged.
I loved the romance that blossomed between Tyler and Jessica. I loved the strength in character that they both had—how tightly they held their feelings for each other. I loved Tyler and his immense need for privacy and his unwillingness to share his whole life with the public—especially when it came to who he loved. And Jessica, lord, I adored her and her smart and sassy professionalism.
And I absolutely adored Tyler and Jessica together. Together they made an amazing couple—even after a really acrimonious beginning, love found a way. And isn’t that just the perfect Hollywood ending. ~ Missy, 5 stars
***
--AUDIO REVIEW--
Holy cats, y'all - I was just completely swept away by Hollywood's playboy!
Seriously, this enemies-to-lovers (light on the enemies, which is exactly the way I like it) completely blew me away. I was sucked in immediately by the sparks flying off of Tyler and Jessica, even as they spent their time pushing each other away. Their chemistry was apparent immediately, and I was held captive, enchanted by the way their story unfolded and things turned from hostile to heated.
I am in love with desperate love and that's exactly what I found in Jessica and Tyler's story. Obviously it doesn't start that way, but once their antagonism turns heats to undeniable attraction, the desperation between these two and their feelings towards each other completely hooked me. This story has everything: fantastic, multi-dimensional characters, smart banter, and enough emotion to take my heart on some kind of wild ride ending at supreme swoony satisfaction.
The narration here is flawless. I am always a little taken aback at first when the narrators trade off within chapters, but it was an easy auditory adjustment and the voices were perfect for these characters, enhancing the story rather than distracting from it.
All in all? This was an easy five star audio experience. I loved every single moment I got to spend with Tyler and Jessica and - while my heart was so happy with their beautifully HEA - I was sad to let these characters go. This was my first Natasha Madison experience, but I will absolutely be back for more! ~ Shelly, 5 Stars...more
This was an audible - first release (Jan 2019) followed by a Kindle release (May 2019). Each category review is below:
-- KINDLE REVIEW --
I have been aThis was an audible - first release (Jan 2019) followed by a Kindle release (May 2019). Each category review is below:
-- KINDLE REVIEW --
I have been a longtime fan of Kylie Scott and could not start Repeat fast enough. This was an incredibly beautiful story of a girl's second chance at life after a terrible trauma. Clem and Ed had fantastic chemistry. There was an honesty and raw intensity between them that hooked me from the first page.
When Clementine "Clem" John's wakes up with amnesia after a terrible trauma she had to piece together the pieces of her life before the accident. The biggest question: Ed Larsen, her ex boyfriend who now has nothing but anger and blame in his heart towards her. Can Clem piece together her life while also battling her attraction for Ed and avoiding another dangerous attack?
I loved this story was it was very emotional with gut punching moments where I genuinely had a croak in my throat watching Clem and Ed's interactions. I felt for both Ed and Clem as there was blame on both sides after their heartbreaking breakup. I thought they had fantastic banter and sexy chemistry. This story was unique and brilliant. Bravo! 4.5 stars! ~Ratula
***
What would you do if you woke up in the hospital and didn’t know who you were? Didn’t recognize your sister? Didn’t know your past, your present or potential future? This is exactly what happened to Clementine Johns and she’s not going to let a little thing like no memory stop her from finding out who she is, where she’s been and what she’s supposed to be doing in life.
And that leads her to a tattoo parlor. And one Ed Larsen. Her ex. Supposedly. And it’s not a warm and fuzzy welcome when she walks through the door.
But there’s just something about their relationship. A connection that can’t be denied—and as new memories are made and things are rekindled between them, can they forget the past and move on with the future.
Man, I love a second chance romance. And I really loved the struggle Ed faced when Clem walked into his shop not knowing him or their past. The struggle he had reconciling his hurt from their break-up and the “new” Clem in front of him. It was such a delicious weaving of their feelings and the minefield that lay in wait as more of their past was revealed.
I couldn’t help but root for Clem and Ed to reconnect, to re-establish their romance. And I loved how Ed really and truly put aside his hurt to help Clem. And I loved how Clem really never gave up in her quest for finding herself. Their interactions were honest and heart-felt, and somewhat gut-wrenching. I loved their banter and that the somehow found a way back to each other.
Repeat is a beautiful romance that’s emotional, heartbreaking, swoony, sexy AF and romantic as all get out. And a fantastic, unique twist on second-chance romance. ~ Missy, 4.5 stars
-- AUDIO REVIEW --
Where do I even start? Perhaps with the fact that I was sucked into this unique story immediately. Intrigued by Clementine as she tried to reconcile the woman everyone remembered with the woman she became.
The chemistry between Clem and Ed was immediately apparent and I found my heart aching with a sort of yearning for them as they unpacked their past while tentatively trying to make a future together. It’s a beautiful story, steamy, playful at times, and wholly satisfying.
The narration is top notch. Andi Arndt is fantastic and easy to listen to as she brought the characters and story to life for me. Definitely recommend this audio experience! ~ Shelly, 5 Stars...more
I absolutely adore Kendall Ryan's heroes. They are alpha down to the tips of their toes but also so caring and protective. Alexei Ivan is most definitI absolutely adore Kendall Ryan's heroes. They are alpha down to the tips of their toes but also so caring and protective. Alexei Ivan is most definitely my favorite hero Ryan has written to date!! He is all growly hotness with a heart of gold and an inner core of strength and kindness. I loved the way he was with Ryleigh and the fiery chemistry and banter between them! GAH!! HE WAS EVERYTHING!!
After playing knight in shining armor when first meeting Ryleigh, Alex could never have expected he would not only be taking the woman home but also caring for a newborn. Who would have thought one good deed would change his life forever?
You guys!! Ryleigh and Alex were so damn sexy. Their chemistry was off the charts hot but the kicker for me in this story was the way Alex loved baby Ella. This story was filled with all the love and passion we've come to expect from a Kendall Ryan novel with all the feels as the cherry on top. This was brilliant!! Bravo! 5 stars! ~Ratula
***
-- AUDIO REVIEW --
Football player + unexpected baby? Sign me up, every time. And Finding Alexei did not disappoint. It was short, sweet, and adorable. Alexei was a little more open than I anticipated, but I adored him nonetheless and - perhaps no surprise - his scenes with little Ella were my favorite. Seriously - ovary explosion!
I also adored him with Ryleigh. This is a really simple love story - so there's not a lot of grit or drama, but there is a fair amount of emotion and I found myself swept up in it. I loved Ryleigh and Alexei together, and I SUPER loved the dynamic between the little trio.
Full disclosure: the female narrator is not one of my favorites. I find her enunciation a little distracting from the story. However the male narrator more than made up for it and over-all, I still really enjoyed this story. If you're looking for something light and virtually angst-free, don't pass this one by! ~ Shelly, 4 Stars...more
Laced with a hefty dose of suspense and mystery, MIA Sheridan has crafted a sweeping love story that hit all my sweet spots.
It starts off with a bangLaced with a hefty dose of suspense and mystery, MIA Sheridan has crafted a sweeping love story that hit all my sweet spots.
It starts off with a bang. Brace your hearts, y’all because they’re in for some bruises. But for every punch it packs, this story also heals. It’s filled with hope and plenty of sweet, sweet emotion.
It’s also beautifully and flawlessly narrated. It was easy to get sucked into the story, the voices completely fitting for the characters.
In all? An absolute 5 Star hit. Original, emotional, and ultimately so so satisfying. Definitely don’t hesitate to pick this one up! ~ Shelly, 5 Stars...more
This was my third Mariana Zapata audible experience, and it was every bit as addicting as the others - and a little hotter to boot-- AUDIBLE REVIEW --
This was my third Mariana Zapata audible experience, and it was every bit as addicting as the others - and a little hotter to boot. The narrator in this books is somehow perfect for every story, even though the stories themselves are so vastly different. She’s wonderful and makes the listening experience just flawless.
On top of that, the story itself is pretty perfect in its own right. Ms. Zapata knows how to write chemistry. I feel it like an actual burn in my belly that ignites my heart and leaves me a little breathless and emotional when all is said and done. This story was intense, dead sexy, and absolutely fan-freaking-tastic. ~ Shelly, 5 Stars...more
Sara Ney has such a gift for writing sports romance. This is only the third book of hers I’ve picked up, but all three have been s-- AUDIBLE REVIEW --
Sara Ney has such a gift for writing sports romance. This is only the third book of hers I’ve picked up, but all three have been sports themed and all three have completely rocked my socks.
So, yeah I’m a huge fan of Oz and James. I love her sardonic, snarky vibe and how I played against his arrogant asshole approach. They were sparky and fun, and they left my heart so happy!
The female narrator on this is not my favorite, but I felt like she had less talk time than the male, with whom I had no issues. So all things considered, this made for a solid auditory experience, and I definitely recommend! ~ Shelly, 4 Stars...more
What an incredible book! I was not expecting quite this level of emotion but holy cat’s was it ever worth the ride!
I thought I’d l-- AUDIBLE REVIEW --
What an incredible book! I was not expecting quite this level of emotion but holy cat’s was it ever worth the ride!
I thought I’d loved Clementine and Gavin from Dearest Clementine, and I did, don’t get me wrong, but there was something about Jax and Dani that just took it to the next level for me. Maybe it’s as simple as the fact that I am powerless against a reformed bad boy. Maybe it’s just that their story was so lovely, full of sparky banter and playful flirting. Maybe it’s that my heart can’t resist these emotional punches no matter how bruised it winds up in the end.
In any case, I adored this story! And it was another delightful auditory experience as well. The narration was flawless and I lost myself in it for hours at a time. Definitely recommend! ~ Shelly, 5 Stars...more
I’ve heard so many rave reviews about this series, and I decided it was time to dive in and experience it for myself. And I get it-- AUDIBLE REVIEW --
I’ve heard so many rave reviews about this series, and I decided it was time to dive in and experience it for myself. And I get it now: this story was completely addicting. It’s perfectly narrated and I was sucked right in. The storytelling is completely on point an I kept finding myself drawn back to it, making excuses to listen when I should have been doing something else.
I wasn’t sure what to make of Clementine aT first and it took me a little bit to warm to her. Gavin, on the other hand was a completely swoonworthy hero - I adored him and I ultimately adored who Clementine was when she was with him. They were perfect together and my heart wrapped itself around them completely.
There’s a mystery threaded through this love story, and that doesn’t always work for me in romance books. It worked well here though, and I found myself on the edge of my seat, skin pebbled with chills at some points. The ending was perfect, and my heart is so full! It is certain that I’ll be back for more of this sweetness. ~ Shelly, 4 Stars...more
Here’s the thing when you decide to binge listen to Mariana Zapata titles: everything else goes on hold. You will only be intere--- Audible Review ---
Here’s the thing when you decide to binge listen to Mariana Zapata titles: everything else goes on hold. You will only be interested in participating in activities that allow you to listen (incidentally, your house will be very clean. You will find excuses to slip away, even if you only get five minutes, because even though these books are long, they are completely enchanting and the time goes so quickly - which is kind of too bad when you never want it to end.
This is my second audible title by Mariana Zapata and I was absolutely smitten with Aiden and Vanessa’s story. The long, simmering slow burn kept my heart hanging in balance while I laughed, hurt, and fell so completely in love with these characters.
I cannot recommend this highly enough. The narration is flawless and completely engaging. I lost myself in this story - hours of my life that I’ll never get back, and I’d gladly do it again to experience this story for the first time. So. Much. Love. ...more