Audio: Fallen by Rebecca Zanetti

Narrated by: Roger Wayne
Series: Deep Ops, Book 2
Length: 10 hrs and 20 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 09-24-19
Language: English
Publisher: Tantor Audio
Romantic suspense
In exchange for an honest review

Brighid is a hacker that is forced to work for this black ops team. But she is a good person and her hacking has been for good.

The team is a lot of oddballs that washed up together. I do like their quirks.

Raider is her handler, and big surprise, they will fall for each other when they go undercover. He washed up in this team since he slept with the wrong woman. Not his fault, she said she was single.

They are trying to take down a mafia guy. Brighid's dad used to work for him.

Shootouts, running, bad guys, drama, and a few funny moments. How these guys are still standing I do not know. This book really goes after them, they should all be in the hospital.

I did like it, but things progressed so fast. I wanted the take down off the baddie to be longer. He needed to be punished some more. I also feel asleep a few times so that might not have been the best thing since I never felt I had missed anything. It did not stand out as much as book 1.

Narration

I liked the narrator. He made the guys sound gruff and since they really were that fitted well. I did feel he had nice women voices too

Too quiet. A talented hacker who got caught; Brigid Banaghan is now forced to work with a secret deep ops unit. But she won't reveal any more to these renegade feds than she has to. Especially not to Raider Tanaka, her control freak of a bodyguard and handler. It's enough that his body is tensed for action and his heated gaze is always on her....

Too sharp. Raider knows there's more to his new assignment than he's been told. Why send a deadly agent of his experience to guard a computer genius - even a gorgeous, unpredictable, undisciplined one? But when Brigid's estranged father is named in an investigation into Boston's organized crime, Raider's mind switches onto high alert, just like his senses....

Too close. To clear her father's name, Brigid needs Raider's help. The unit's idea that she bring a straight-laced fed in as her "fiance" won't fly, though-not unless Raider can release his inner bad boy and become the rebel Brigid can't resist....

Audio: The Downstairs girl - Emily Woo Zeller

Narrated by: Emily Woo Zeller

Length: 10 hrs and 22 mins

Unabridged Audiobook

Release date: 08-13-19

Language: English

Publisher: Tantor Audio

Historical fiction YA

In exchange for an honest review

Narrator: 

I like the narrator as I have listened to her before, but I did have to up to 2.2 since I felt it was narrated too slowly, but that just makes the story go faster so all good in my book.

She was the perfect voice for Jo.

Story:

Jo lives with her guardian in a basement. Atlanta after the war means no rights for Chinese people, they are not even citizens.

She loses her job and starts working for the family she worked for before, including a certain bratty daughter. She also starts writing an agony aunt column that takes the city by storm.

Did I see the city going crazy over it, nah, not really. I liked what she had to say, she wanted equality and liberty. But far fetched sure, but hey this is a story after all and I really liked how she went after everything. Though the author did try to put in too many issues at once, I know the time gives a lot to talk about, but a focus on a fewer would have been better.

There might be a romance blossoming at the end, nah, did not feel that. I will just choose to see her not going after that.

There is also drama regarding who she is. Who were her parents? I am not saying no to a bit of mystery. I really enjoyed that part. Even if grrrr, it made me want to hit people.

I enjoyed the story, and it did actually never feel particularly YA. I did not even realize it was YA to be honest.

By day, 17-year-old Jo Kuan works as a lady's maid for the cruel daughter of one of the wealthiest men in Atlanta. But by night, Jo moonlights as the pseudonymous author of a newspaper advice column for the genteel Southern lady, "Dear Miss Sweetie". When her column becomes wildly popular, she uses the power of the pen to address some of society's ills, but she's not prepared for the backlash that follows when her column challenges fixed ideas about race and gender.

While her opponents clamor to uncover the secret identity of Miss Sweetie, a mysterious letter sets Jo off on a search for her own past and the parents who abandoned her as a baby. But when her efforts put her in the crosshairs of Atlanta's most notorious criminal, Jo must decide whether she, a girl used to living in the shadows, is ready to step into the light.

Audio: Thornbound by Stephanie Burgis

The Harwood Spellbook, Volume 2

By: Stephanie Burgis

Narrated by: Emma Newman

Series: Harwood Spellbook Series, Book 2

Length: 6 hrs and 18 mins

Release date: 06-25-19 Tantor Audio

Historical fantasy

I do like these because they are short, and short can be so good at times. They also work while being short.

This is a historical fantasy where there is magic, fae and elves. Angland is ruled by women, and they marry mages, and it is the men who has to care for their reputations. It is an intriguing world, I do want to learn more about elves and fae.

Cassandra has magic and was allowed to study, and I can't believe it but I kind of agree with the women politicians. If she is allowed, and more is allowed, then men can become politicians too, and then men can rule Angland, just as they do the rest of the world. I do see their point in not wanting more women to study. But at the same time women have the right to be mages too, and the same goes for men who do not want to be mages.

So in this one she is trying to start her school for female mages. But the politicians are not happy, the mages are not happy, Cassandra has no magic anymore, her husband is away all the time, and it is bluebell season...that is not good.

It is an amusing book set in an interesting world.

Narrator

I liked her voice, it felt so very English and the time. She had nice young and old voices.

Cassandra Harwood scandalized her nation when she became the first woman magician in Angland. Now, she's ready to teach a whole new generation of bright young women at her radical new school, the Thornfell College of Magic…

Until a sinister fey altar is discovered in the school library, the ruling Boudiccate sends a delegation to shut down Thornfell, and Cassandra’s own husband is torn away from her.

As malevolent vines slither in from the forest and ruthless politicians scheme against her, Cassandra must fight the greatest battle of her life to save her love, her school, and the future of the young women of Angland.

Audio: Cowboy Summer by Joanne Kennedy

By: Joanne Kennedy

Narrated by: Johanna Parker

Series: Blue Sky Cowboys Series, Book 1

Length: 11 hrs and 23 mins

Unabridged Audiobook

Release date: 06-25-19

Language: English

Publisher: Tantor Audio

Contemporary romance

I got this in exchange for an honest review

Oh these two, it is time to take out the slap on the head thing. *slaps both over the head* I need a gif like that *ponders this*

Jessie is living the big city life, but then her dad has a heart attack, and she goes back. She loves the ranch, but it needs to be sold cos her dad can't handle it.

She is having issues with her new stepmum, why I do not know, cos Molly is great! Tsk, Jessie!

She is avoiding her old boyfriend that she left behind and she is upset that he married someone else, Jessie, Jessie! Like he would pine forever.

She believes something even when he tells her the truth (they need to be locked in a room for two days and talk things through) *slap in the head*

Cade is a cowboy, that does say it all. Yes he married an idiot, but he was sad and drunk. He did divorce her sorry behind. She was a piece of work. Poor guy has issues, drunk dad, girlfriend left, married an idiot. Poor Cade.

Though then he does believe something that does not make any sense so he gets a slap on the head for that too.

These two love each other, but they have so much to work through. And they belong together, everyone knows it.

I liked her dad and Molly. They were fun.

I enjoyed it (even if they really needed to be thrown in a room together). It also built something interesting for the next book.

Narrator

I like her style and I really get the feel of living there. She has great female and male voices. I have listened to her before, and I will again. She fits western so well.

Jess Bailey broke Cade Walker's heart when she left for the city - but she was just trying to find her own way in the world. When Jess's dad calls her home and tells her he's selling the ranch, she realizes she's about to lose the life she was born to live. And when she sees Cade again, she knows how much she's lost already.

As their nearest neighbor, Cade is always trying to help. But he's got his own ranch and his horse training business to think about. Even though his heart fills with hope for a second chance when he sees Jess, she left him once when things got tough. And she knows he moved on without her.

As the sale of the Bailey ranch looms over them, Jess and Cade start looking to the future. But can they ever trust one another again?

Audio: The Vampire Knitting Club by Nancy Warren

Narrated by: Sarah Zimmerman

Series: Vampire Knitting Club, Book 1

Length: 6 hrs and 6 mins

Unabridged Audiobook

Release date: 06-11-19

Language: English

Publisher: Tantor Audio

Paranormal cozy mystery

I received this book in exchange for an honest review

This was short and amusing. Plus is has vampires knitting, that was strange and good.

Lucy inherits a knitting store from her gran, and Lucy can't even knit! She also starts wondering if her gran was murdered...

Which ok the blurb does spoil it and then there is the whole title, so yes her gran was murdered and she is now a vampire. And vampires in Oxford seems to enjoy knitting.

Something strange is happening. Who kille her gran. Is there something else going on? Ok, I can't say more, but things are going on. And since it is a short book the mystery is solved quickly...but i was still wrong!

There is a cat, there is a hot vamp, an interesting cop, yes things might turn interesting in this town after all for Lucy.

Fun story.

narrator

She did a great job with all the characters. I liked her Lucy voice, it felt very, well that I would have liked Lucy in rl too 

At a crossroads between a cringe-worthy past (Todd the Toad) and an uncertain future (she's not exactly homeless, but it's close), Lucy Swift travels to Oxford to visit her grandmother. With Gran's undying love to count on and Cardinal Woolsey's, Gran's knitting shop, to keep her busy, Lucy can catch her breath and figure out what she's going to do.  

Except it turns out that Gran is the undying. Or at least, the undead. But there's a death certificate. And a will, leaving the knitting shop to Lucy. And a lot of people going in and out who never use the door - including Gran, who is just as loving as ever, and prone to knitting sweaters at warp speed, late at night. What exactly is going on?  

When Lucy discovers that Gran did not die peacefully in her sleep, but was murdered, she has to bring the killer to justice without tipping off the law that there's no body in the grave. Between a hot 500-year-old vampire and a dishy detective inspector, both of whom always seem to be there for her, Lucy finds her life getting more complicated than a triple cable cardigan. The only one who seems to know what's going on is her cat...or is it...her familiar?

Audio: Wicked Highland Ways by Mary Wine

Narrated by: Antony Ferguson

Series: Highland Weddings, Book 6

Length: 8 hrs and 20 mins

Unabridged Audiobook

Release date: 05-28-19

Language: English

Publisher: Tantor Audio

Historical romance

To review

Brenda has suffered for 5 books now. For 5 books! This woman is cursed. I want to go there and kick everyone for letting her suffer. I have wanted a happiness for her so very long. I wanted everyone to ride to her rescue, everyone!

First she was married to an idiot at 16. Then when she was free the Earl of Morton, oh I can not even speak of that. Poor Poor Brenda. And now she has sacrificed herself to be sent to England to marry so that her cousin can keep his new bride. Her new husband to be we met in book 5 and he needs a kick in the nuts.

But Brenda has one person in her corner, Bothan Gunn. I love you Bothan, you never gave up. He rides to England after her, and he keeps fighting to win her. A lot more are thrown in their way. Until I just wanted to scream let her be happy!

She does fight him too, though she also fancies the pants of him. But she does not want to marry again (at the same time, go for it woman! Go for it. He is not like the rest.)

Drama, fighting and a true quest for a heart. I have enjoyed this series! I wonder what she will do next...

narration

I really like Antony's narration. He is Highlanders to me. He does them so well. And he does do female voices well too.

Brenda Grant has no desire to marry. Ever since her first, horrible marriage, she's made herself into a hellion of a woman to keep men from wanting her. But the Campbells, her previous husband's family, are determined to find her a new husband. Highland Chief Bothan Gunn is smitten by the woman who won't be tamed. It takes all Brenda's willpower to resist the brawny Highlander who takes her to safety. But as they spend time together-and grow ever closer-Brenda finally finds the freedom she's been longing for all along.

Audio: Wolf Rain by Nalini Singh

Audiobook, Length: 13 hrs, 23 mins

Narrator; Angela Dawe

Published June 4th 2019 by Tantor Audio

Series: Psy-Changeling Trinity #3, Psy-Changeling #18

Paranormal romance

To review

This one felt dark, but as always Singh does make it great in every way.

First we have Memory, a psy who has been kept prisoner most of her life. She thinks of herself as a victim, and one with dark horrible psy powers. But she is strong and a survivor.

Aleksei has demons of his ones. His brother went rogue, his dad went rogue, will he go rogue? And then he hears the cries of a psy and goes to investigate.

He challenges her, she pushes back. They are both what the other one needs. And they take their time, considering, and it feels so right.

Then there is the darkness, the serial killer who has kept her prisoner and wants her back.

Though there is another plot too, a hidden darkness in the psy world. And when the serial killer story ends there was still almost 2 hours left, which felt strange. The other issues was then resolved too. I guess they had to be there at once so it might expand into the next book or something.

The psynet is failing and I do wonder how the will fix it...which means...I can't wait for more!

Great book, as alays! singh does not disappoint

Narrator

I'd say Dawe's women have very throaty voices, very dark. Not all, but at least the main. But it fits. SHe has a great range and everyone feels distinct. Her female and male voices are great and she brings emotion and need into the story.

She is great to listen at and she brings the story to life. Now when I think of those books I missed, I'd say I would rather listen to those than read

The end of Silence was supposed to create a better world for future generations. But trust is broken, and the alliance between Psy, Changeling, and human is thin. The problems that led to Silence are back in full force. Because Silence fixed nothing, just hid the problems.
This time, the Psy have to find a real answer to their problems—if one exists. Or their race will soon go extinct in a cascade of violence. The answer begins with an empath who is attuned to monsters—and who is going to charm a wolf into loving her despite his own demons.

Audio: Cowboy stole my heart - Soraya Lane

Narrated by: Callie Beaulieu

Series: River Ranch Series, Book 1

Length: 8 hrs and 47 mins

Unabridged Audiobook

Release date: 05-14-19

Language: English

Publisher: Tantor Audio

Contemporary romance

To review

Sam is a horse whisperer, and Mia has a horse that needs help. A perfect match.

Mia is a rich girl, who has made a path of her own. She is an accomplished show-jumper who tries to prove herself to others. Her weakness is her dead friend's horse, a demon that can not be tamed anymore.

Sam is the horse whisperer with scars of his own. Demons in his past and he has lost the will to love.

Mia, oh Mia. She really should have said everything at once. She put his life in danger. Idiot! I also found something that happened later on idiotic too. I wanted to slap her again. I got it at first, but then, why oh why? She does not deserve him. I am very I will slap you happy lately.

Ok so these two have their worked cut out for them. First there is the whole is she only a rich girl thing to get over. Then things heat up but they both do not want a relationship. And then there is more drama.

I must say that I was really curious about how Sam's sister ended up with his best friend. That must have been quite the story. Also Mia's brother seems up next and that looks to be promising too.

Anyway, yes Mia did have her spot of weakness, but overall it was a good book that felt fast. I liked their shared love of horses and they did seem like a great fit.

Romance, horses and drama.

It takes true grit to build a billion-dollar dynasty like the Ford family ranch. But when it comes to finding love, all it takes is one handsome cowboy to steal a woman's heart.  
She's riding solo.  
As one of the heirs to the River Ranch fortune, Mia Ford is practically Texas royalty. But that doesn't mean she's some pampered princess. She can saddle up and ride a horse as well as any man, even a hard-working cowboy like Sam Mendes. For years, she's harbored a crush on the strong, silent horseman. But how can she make a move when she's his boss?  
He's taking the reins.  
Sam Mendes is through with love - or so he thought. Still recovering from a breakup, he's doing everything in his power to resist Mia Ford. It's bad enough she's the kind of beauty who drives men wild with desire. It's even worse she's got him so worked up, aching to kiss her lips, when he's supposed to be working her ranch. Is this lovestruck cowboy willing to risk losing his job - and breaking his heart - to win the girl of his dreams?  

Audio: Hidden by Rebecca Zanetti

Narrated by: Roger Wayne

Series: Deep Ops, Book 1

Length: 9 hrs and 54 mins

Unabridged Audiobook

Release date: 04-16-19

Language: English

Publisher: Tantor Audio

Romantic suspense

To review

My Thoughts

Pippa is running from something in her past. I felt sorry for her, I would have run too. Ugh her mother is all I am saying! Worst mother of the year. So she stays mostly indoors, has one friend and then one day a sexy guy moves into the house next door.

Malcolm, Malcolm, yes he likes Pippa from the start, but the lies man, the lies! And again, totally understandable. He needs lies. It is his job. But he is a good guy that just wants to protect the weak.

I want to say more, but, ok so the thing does come up quickly, but I still do not want to talk about it. It has a better feel if one does not know why she hides or what he is doing. But I liked it. It was creepy. A running from worthy.

They get close. She wants to be normal, he falls in love. But the secrets, the secrets! And then there is drama and suspense too as the lies are catching up and baddies are coming.

I enjoyed it. A nice amount of romance and suspense.

Narration

I actually liked the voice for another guy better than the main. The main was ok, but it was just so manly and rough. Ha. He was such a male. 

But yes as you can see the voices were distinct and I liked that. I knew where I had everyone. He did the drama, romance and suspense well too.

Hide. That's all Pippa can do to escape the terror chasing her. But now that she's off the grid in a safe house, she finds plenty of interesting things to watch through the window. Like her new neighbor, with his startling green eyes, killer smile, and sexy bad-boy tattoo....

Run. Malcolm West is fleeing the hell he unleashed in his last assignment as an undercover cop. A backwoods bungalow sounds like the perfect place to start over. Until he discovers he's been set up.... 

Fight. Someone's gone to a lot of trouble to bring them together. No matter how much he resents that, and no matter his own driving needs, Malcolm will have to dig deep and let loose the banished killer inside himself, or Pippa's fears could come true faster than the flip of a bolt in a lock....

Audio: Grave Destiny - Kalayna Price

Narrated by: Emily Durante

Series: Alex Craft, Book 6

Length: 11 hrs and 54 mins

Unabridged Audiobook

Release date: 04-02-19

Language: English

Publisher: Tantor Audio

Urban fantasy

to review

My Thoughts

I do like historical romance on audio, but urban fantasy I have discovered to work just as well. Some genres to seem to click more and get even better in audio. And this one certainly did just that.

Alex gets a new case. A dead body in Faerie and possible war if a killer is not caught. I never remember who I ship since the wait between books is usually quite long. So Faelan who? Stop crying over spilled milk, Dugan seems juicy! As it is no Alex is not dating anyone (still miss you Death!), Faelan and her, well they did have their fling and now she has to work with him since he is a knight and agent. And Dugan, is the Shadow Prince who hires her. And yes, I like him, I wish she could like him back *sighs*

Faerie is not easy to navigate through. Everyone has hidden agendas. The Winter Queen is a b*tch. The other regents are no better. Though Dugan's dad did seem ok. This is not just a murder investigation, there are toes that can not be stepped upon. Feathers that can not be ruffled. And there is a baddie in the wings trying to cause war (I did guess who quite easily, I wonder why they did not).

The narration is great, there is always something behind the corner so you keep listening to know more. Like I said, UF does seem to be great for audio.

The end promises more hardship to come, and I can't wait! Must have more.

Narrator

She does the voices well, everyone has their sound. It is easy to follow along. She keeps up the tension and speed. And she makes this to an enjoyable listen that has me clamoring for more.

Alex is still trying to come to terms with her changing powers and her growing ties to Faerie when a case she'd rather avoid falls right into her lap. A fae prince desperately needs Alex to investigate a politically sensitive murder. She reluctantly agrees to the case, taking FIB agent Falin Andrews along as her backup. 

But as Alex begins to delve into the mystery, she realizes that the intricate web of alliances and intrigue in the Faerie courts is strained to its limits. War is about to break out, one that threatens to spill over into the mortal realm. This murder is tied right to the center of centuries-old arcane unrest, and if Alex isn't careful she may follow the twisting path ahead of her right into her grave end.

Audio: In a badger way - Shelley Laurenston

Narrated by: Charlotte Kane

Series: Honey Badger Chronicles Series, Book 2

Length: 13 hrs and 43 mins

Unabridged Audiobook

Release date: 03-26-19

Publisher: Tantor Audio

PNR

My Thoughts

Honestly, there is only one way to describe this book and that is crazy! It is on a hell of a ride. A roller coaster filled with madness and fun.

Stevie is smart, like crazy smart, could win every Novel prize there is smart. She also suffer from depression and anxiety. And she is really scared of bears. Which makes it hard living among bear shifters. I like Stevie, she feels like a lost puppy (make that kitty) at times. She is fun, strange and when she decides something then that is it.

And she has her eyes on Shen. Ha, omg this guy was awesome. He is a giant panda and he is nice, cos pandas are nice. Calm and loves hanging upside down eating bamboo. Who can blame Stevie for setting her eyes on him! And she is also not afraid oh him, cos hello, panda, the sweetest of bears.

Ok, that sounds normal, well it is not. She has two sisters. They are all crazy. Max keeps trying to capture a stray cat. Charlie bakes all day. Their father is a crook and so is the rest of the family. Max is probably a sociopath. They enjoy getting into fights and gets into a LOT of fights. Stevie has shift into a godzilla like honey badger since she is a hybrid. Someone out there is killing hybrids. Stevie is on the case. More ass kicking. More craziness. *deep breath* It never ends, craziness ahoy!

I did like book 1 more, because even though this one was funny, it felt at times, maybe she was trying too hard to always be funny. But hey, it still works for me. 

Final thought

I love the absurdness of it all!

Narration

She has her work cut out for her. Non stop craziness and people beating the shit out of each other. But she did great and kept up the tempo and still, most importantly, made these characters fun and likable.

The voices for men and women worked well and they had their own distinct voices. This really is one for audio so you can breath in all the craziness 

Blurb:

Petite, kind, brilliant, and young, Stevie is nothing like the usual women bodyguard Shen Li is interested in. Even more surprising, the youngest of the lethal, ball-busting, and beautiful MacKilligan sisters is terrified of bears. But she’s not terrified of pandas. She loves pandas. 

Which means that whether Shen wants her to or not, she simply won’t stop cuddling him. He isn’t some stuffed Giant Panda, ya know! He is a Giant Panda shifter. He deserves respect and personal space. Something that little hybrid is completely ignoring.

But Stevie has a way of finding trouble. Like going undercover to take down a scientist experimenting on other shifters. For what, Shen doesn’t want to know, but they’d better find out. And fast. Stevie might be the least violent of the honey badger sisters, but she’s the most dangerous to Shen’s peace of mind. Because she has absolutely no idea how much trouble they’re in . . . or just how damn adorable she is.

Audio: Band Sinister - KJ Charles

Narrated by: Cornell Collins

Length: 7 hrs and 59 mins

Unabridged Audiobook

Release date: 03-19-19

Language: English

Publisher: Tantor Audio

Historical romance

For review

My Thoughts

The author said something about going Full Heyer, well, that is if there was wicked debauchery going on in Heyer ;)

Sir Philip and his friends are notorious, and you just have to look at them to be ruined. And that is why poor Guy freaks out when his sister has broken her leg and been taken care of by Sir Philip. Scandal! SO he rushes to her sickbed.

Also omg the standards back then, she has a broken leg and is in a really bad way, who has time to seduce her! He is not that much of a monster. But I guess that is what people think.

Right, Guy, awww he really was a sweetie. Unsure and yet so protective of his sister. All my feels to him. And he will protect her virtue at all costs!

Of course he soon realises that it is not his virtue that is to be taken, nope, better watch out Guy, it is not a woman Philip wants.

I think there could have been more of a Gothic feel thrown in, but then that would have worked if it was Amanda's pov, and Guy is too reasonable. 

And maybe more interactions between more people. More houseparty feel when the house really is filled with people.

I had a really good point about something, but that is gone now....

Right. An amusing tale and romance to be had too. I liked seeing Guy fall for his bitter enemy (long story). I wish we could have had more Amanda cos she sounded fun too.

Oh and great ending. Since this was a sin and a crime back then, but the author made it work.

Narrator

His voice did fit the era, but it was really soft so I had to concentrate more than usual. That means I could not multitask ;)

Blurb

Sir Philip Rookwood is the disgrace of the county. He’s a rake and an atheist, and the rumours about his hellfire club, the Murder, can only be spoken in whispers. (Orgies. It’s orgies.)

Guy Frisby and his sister Amanda live in rural seclusion after a family scandal. But when Amanda breaks her leg in a riding accident, she’s forced to recuperate at Rookwood Hall, where Sir Philip is hosting the Murder. 

Guy rushes to protect her, but the Murder aren’t what he expects. They’re educated, fascinating people, and the notorious Sir Philip turns out to be charming, kind—and dangerously attractive. 

In this private space where anything goes, the longings Guy has stifled all his life are impossible to resist...and so is Philip. But all too soon the rural rumour mill threatens both Guy and Amanda. The innocent country gentleman has lost his heart to the bastard baronet—but does he dare lose his reputation too?

Audio: Bad Influence - Stefanie London

Narrated by: Larissa Gallagher

Series: Bad Bachelors Series, Book 3

Length: 10 hrs and 39 mins

Unabridged Audiobook

Release date: 02-26-19

Publisher: Tantor Audio

Contemporary romance

Thank you Tantor for this copy

My Thoughts

This was a tough one. I had to read it, BUT, I had not liked what I learned of this new heroine in book 1 or book 2. See Annie created an app where men are rated. Sure, I like the idea, but this is the internet. People are trolls. So both heroes in book 1 and 2 got their lives ruined. One had only good reviews, but still got a shitstorm. And the first had only bad reviews, but not his fault either. 

After those I had to read her story, what made her do it!

Annie had a boyfriend. They broke up. She created this app. I still do not agree with her choices, se saw their lives get ruined! But, her heart was in a good place and the app did do good things too. 

Does she have a reason to be angry at her ex, well yes, but she was in fault too. A relationship goes both ways.

Joe was a great guy. He tried to make his parents proud (they were frankly asshats), and yes he did make a mistake. He should not have taken it that hard.

People make mistakes. These two should have talked and done a long distance until things calmed down. But they were asshats. So both are at fault, and well I forgive Joe cos he is such a sweetie.

Lots of character talk ;) On to the story. They meet again, obvi sparks fly. Someone wants to take down her app and things happen.

Conclusion

I enjoyed the story.

Narration

I liked her different voices and accents. She made Annie sound vulnerable in a  great way

Blurb

He's the bad bachelor who inspired it all....

Annie Maxwell had her whole life figured out...until her fiance left her when his career took off. If that wasn't bad enough, every society blog posted pictures of him escorting a woman wearing her engagement ring. To help the women of New York avoid guys like her ex, Annie created the Bad Bachelors app. But try as she might, Annie just can't forget him....

For bank executive Joe Preston, his greatest mistake was leaving the love of his life when she needed him most. Now, all he wants is to make things right - and she won't have him. But when Annie's safety is threatened by a hacker determined to bring down her app, Joe is the only one to whom she can turn. He'll have to lay himself on the line to prove to Annie that he's a changed man. But will their hard-won bond survive the revelation that Annie is the one pulling the strings behind Bad Bachelors?  

Audio: When you read this - Mary Adkins

Narrated by: Sarah Naughton

Length: 7 hrs and 34 mins

Unabridged Audiobook

Release date: 02-05-19

Language: English

Publisher: HarperAudio

My Thoughts

This was different. I have read books like this but I have never done it in audio. At first I was not sure, but it did work really well and you felt really close to everyone.

The book takes place after Iris' death. Her boss Simon is struggling with losing her. Her sister is struggling with loosing her. He wants to publish her blog (as was her wish), and her sister does not like it.

So what do we get? We get emails and text messages between these too as they get to know each other better. We get emails from his intern Carl, who is so so annoying, but whom you still have to like. And everything else in a modern world. Online therapy, spam, you name it. And it does work.

I'd say the only thing I did not get a sense of was how everyone looked. I really could not picture them at all when it was in this way.

Also, yes we do get Iris too, but only though her blog posts, which I guess does not make this as sad as it could have been. which is a good thing.

As it was now. I enjoyed it. It was sure a different way to listen to audio.

Narrator

I liked her, and omg her Carl voice was exactly him! She brought order to this book as it was done in this format.

Audio: Backlash - Sarah Darer Littman

Narrated by: Lauren Ezzo, Ramon De Ocampo

Length: 7 hrs and 51 mins

Unabridged Audiobook

Release date: 02-19-19

Publisher: Tantor Audio

YA Fiction

Thank you Tantor for this copy!

My Thoughts
I have listened a lot of emotional YA books since I started listening to audio, and this one deals with cyber bullying and suicide.

People are awful. Anyone who thinks that we ever will live in a nice world is sadly delusional. Ugh people! I understood one of them because people are idiots, but then this other bully, wtf is wrong with you! But then people are evil.

The books starts with Sydney finding her sister Lara in the bathroom. Lara who used to be overweight and has struggled with depression. And who was on her way to getting better. Poor Lara. Poor Sydney too, she is left behind at times when it was all Lara Lara. They both matter.

Then the book jumps back 2 months and we get to see how Lara meets the cutest boy online and starts to fall for him, until he posts on FB how she should just kill herself...

In that 2 month back we also get the POV of her evil ex bestie Bree, grrr, Bree! No, I could not feel sorry for you.

And Liam, Bree's brother. Him I could feel sorry for.

These 4 POVS deal with the aftermath. It makes me angry, it makes me sad. I will not mention the person I was maddest at, but it was so low, so low.

The end
A good book about cyber bullying and the ramifications it can have.

Narrators
It had two. Liam got his own narrator, which worked well. There were 3 girl POVs anyway that had their own narrator.
I did like both, they did well with female and male voices. Young and old.

Blurb

He says: You're an awful person.

He says: What makes you think I would ever ask you out?

He says: The world would be a better place without you in it.

Lara just got told off on Facebook.

She thought that Christian liked her, that he was finally going to ask her to his school's homecoming dance. They've been talking online for weeks, so what's with the sudden change? And where does he get off saying horrible things on her wall? Even worse - are they true?

It's been a long time since Lara's felt this bad, this depressed, this ugly. She's worked really hard to become pretty and happy - and make new friends after what happened in middle school.

Bree used to be best friends with overweight, depressed Lara, but constantly listening to Lara's issues got to be too much. Secretly, Bree's glad Christian called Lara out. Lara's not nearly as amazing as people think. But no one realized just how far Christian's harsh comments would push Lara. Not even Bree.

As online life collides with real life, things spiral out of control, and not just for Lara. Because when the truth starts to come together, the backlash is even more devastating than anyone could have ever imagined

Audio: Rogues Rush in

Narrated by: Justine Eyre

Length: 6 hrs and 59 mins

Unabridged Audiobook

Release date: 02-19-19

Language: English

Publisher: Tantor Audio

Historical romance

thank you Tantor!

My Thoughts:

His Bride for the Taking by Tessa Dare

I liked this one. It was very sweet. Sebastian has been in love with his best friend's sister forever and she who was older never noticed him. And then when she is left at the altar he marries her instead to save her reputation. I mean what a wonderful guy! Also what horrible times when it means being left at the altar ruins her rep cos people will think they did things before.

Most of the book takes place in a little cottage. Oh one part at the beginning made me snort. It was so funny. But they will get to know each other more and more *wink wink* They will have some hurdles to get over and some truths will be had. But it is a funny one. 

Oh I almost forgot...Ikea. That is all I am saying *snorts*

His Duchess for a Day by  Christi Caldwell 

I had a harder time with this heroine. She left her new husband and stayed away for 10 years. Was he an ogre you ask? No, he was her best friend. And then when he shows up she has the nerve to think ill of him cos she has seen his name in the scandal sheets. You left him, for 10 years! He did not know whether you were dead or alive!

Of course we do learn things further in that makes me forgive her a tiny bit, a tiny bit. He is still a great guy all way through. All men should be that steadfast. He loves her and he wants her back.

All in all:

Great Dukes!

Narration

The ever awesome Justine Eyre narrates and you might have notice that I do like her style. She can not do anything wrong

Blurb

Two scandalous brides...

Two rogues who won’t be denied...

His Bride for the Taking by New York Times Bestselling author Tessa Dare

It’s the first rule of friendship among gentlemen: Don’t even think about touching your best friend’s sister. But Sebastian, Lord Byrne, has never been one for rules. He’s thought about touching Mary Clayton—a lot—and struggled to resist temptation. But when Mary’s bridegroom leaves her waiting the altar, only Sebastian can save her from ruin. By marrying her himself. 

In eleven years, he’s never laid a finger on his best friend’s sister. Now he’s going to take her with both hands. To have, to hold...and to love.

His Duchess for a Day by USA Today Bestseller Christi Caldwell 

It was never meant to be…

That’s what Elizabeth Terry has told herself while trying to forget the man she married--her once best friend. Passing herself off as a widow, Elizabeth has since built a life for herself as an instructor at a finishing school, far away from that greatest of mistakes. But the past has a way of finding you, and now that her husband has found her, Elizabeth must face the man she’s tried to forget.

It was time to right a wrong…

Crispin Ferguson, the Duke of Huntington, has spent the past years living with regret. The young woman he married left without a by-your-leave, and his hasty elopement had devastating repercussions. Despite everything, Crispin never stopped thinking about Elizabeth. Now that he’s found her, he has one request—be his duchess, publicly, just for a day. 

Can spending time together as husband and wife rekindle the bond they once shared? Or will a shocking discovery tear them apart...this time, forever?

Audio: A brother's price - Wen Spencer

Narrated by: Travis Baldree

Length: 9 hrs

Unabridged Audiobook

Release date: 2019-01-29

Language: English

Publisher: Tantor Audio

Fantasy

My Thoughts:

This book was really good, it turned everything you knew upside down, and I did go all weird at one point, then I righted myself. No, not weird. We are just learned to think such in our male society.

If this had been reversed it would have been a 80s romance. With dubious content and everything. But it is not.

For every 20 women there is one male. SO yes they are the price in this world.

They are owned by their mothers, their sisters, their wives and can be sold and bartered. (nothing new there, that is the fate of women still.)

Since there are so few men sisters share a husband and guard him well. Even if it is outlawed there are still men taken captive by women who need a husband. Raped to get them with child or sold to a Crib so they can service woman after woman, hour after hour.

The men take care of the babies and cook. Women take care of the farm, the businesses or fight wars. Men are soft creatures. They are not thought to read or write. What could would a man have with such silly ideas in their heads.

They are the ones that needs to show of their assets and wear pretty clothes to catch a good family.

A man must be a virgin on his wedding night. Else he is ruined.

A man will marry at 16. His brides might be much elder (like that is anything new, girls have married older men for ages). But that is weird some of you say. Why? Then it should be weird for women to marry anyone older. 

Yes see, I liked how it played with all those things. The 16 marrying someone 28 was the one thing that I found strange, before I realised that the only reason I thought that was strange was cos he was a man. If this had been a historical fic book and the bride 16 then I would not have blinked.

This was a marvelous world! And a dangerous world where I would not have wanted to be male. It was a scary world for men filled with rape threats and scary women lusting after you.

I have talked on and on about the world! Ok SO Jerin meets a princess who takes liberties and he is all in love. His family guards him like hawks and they are all trained to fight. Jerin has a great home actually, he was thought to read and write and got to play outside with the girls. But he is to marry soon. And the elder sisters wants a husband so Jerin needs to fetch a price.

There is adventure, and Jerin falling in love at every turn. Dangerous plots at the capital and scary woman wanting the pretty young debutante.

I could not fall back asleep so I listened for like 4 hours one morning to find out how it worked out for poor Jerin, and you know what, like the romance it would have been if he had been female, everyone gets HEAs

Conclusion:

Interesting listen. Hard to out down

Narrator

I did feel he made Jerin a bit too old, but on the other hand it worked for the life he led. Since there is like one other male present then he sure does a lot of female voices ;) Men are like I said scarce in this world.

Cover

Nope. Where is his pretty long hair that got braided with pretty things in it and bows. And his clothes that shows what a catch he is ;)

Story

In a world where male children are rare, a man is a valuable commodity - to be sold to the highest bidder....

It isn't easy being the oldest boy in a house run by women - especially for Jerin Whistler. The grand-matriarchs of his clan are descended from soldiers, spies, and thieves. That's partly what's kept their family alive in the wilderness. But it also means Jerin's doomed to marry the girls next door - a fate he's convinced is worse than death. But Jerin gets in even worse trouble when, in the process of a daring rescue, he falls in love with a royal princess who's as high above his station as it's possible to be.    

Ren knows that Jerin is too far below her class to be an appropriate match for her and her royal sisters. But then she hears rumors of a long-held Whistler family secret - one that might provide a way for them to finally be together. Unfortunately, she still has four sisters to convince. And that's before Jerin even comes to the capital - where simmering political tensions will threaten not just their love, but all their lives....

Audio: All I want for Christmas is a Cowboy - Jessica Clare

Narrated by: Abby Craden

Length: 8 hrs and 2 mins

Release date: 01-22-19

Publisher: Tantor Audio

Contemporary romance

Thank you Tantor for this copy!

My Thoughts

Snowed in for Christmas, oh that makes for the perfect winter book!

Cass is an assistant (and oh my, she should quit, she can not see how much she is used, not to mention her boss' fiance keeps hitting on her, creep!) But she is a nice hardworking woman (that should take a chance). So she goes away for the holidays to be alone. Boom car accident, stuck int he mountains with a cowboy!

Eli was omg the sweetest. All he does is work work and no time for a woman. He is just too sweet and has let go of all of that. He might be a bit grumpy since he wanted alonetime too, but alas no.

They get to know each other. She is a complete mess at things. They start to fall in love and the snow keeps on piling up. 

There will be drama as she starts to remember things, and there she does something so silly. I mean just talk with him woman! But I guess we need drama. Still, talk to him!

And then they lie happily ever after! Awwww.

Sweet and a great book this winter.

Abby Craden: narration
I liked her Cass voice, it showed sweetness and innocence. While I totally saw the grumpy Eli before me too. She did well with setting the scene.

Synopsis

Christmas may be coming, but it's just another day at the ranch as far as Eli Pickett is concerned. Someone has to take care of the herd and that means no holiday vacation for him. But that's just the way he likes it--it’s not like he has a woman to spend time with anyways. Most women don't want the ranch life, or the surly, silent cowboy that comes with it. Fine with him. He'd rather have the quiet of a roaring fire and the company of his dogs.

Cassandra Horn is trying to make it to her parents' winter cabin in Wyoming before the blizzard hits. She desperately needs a vacation from the chaos of Manhattan...and her boss’s boyfriend, who is making her life miserable. But Cass never makes it to the cabin. 

A raging snowstorm causes her car to crash, where she's found unconscious by Eli. When Cass wakes, she has no memories of who she is. Eli takes one look at Cass's big blue eyes and dark curls, and like a Christmas miracle, falls head over heels in love. But while the attraction is mutual, can she give her heart to this cowboy if she’s not sure it’s hers to give?

Audio: Out of time - Monica McCarty

Audio CD, Unabridged, 11 h

Narrator: Noah Michael Levine

Published December 31st 2018 by Tantor Audio

Series: The Lost Platoon #3

Romantic suspense

Thank you Tantor for this review copy.

My Thoughts:

I guess this was the last one then, I mean the story wrapped up so it has to be. Though we did not get all the lost guys, a shame. Who knew what fun things they were up to while hidden.

The pieces are falling together in this one. Who was behind the missile strike that killed half the team? You will find out. But first, romance!

Scott loved his girlfriend. The girlfriend who warned them so he could save half his team. The girlfriend who is a freaking spy!? Yes he was not happy to learn that. Who can blame the guy! He was honey trapped. Big tough Seal, who always does things by the book, fell for a spy.

Nat, well she is not the spy you think she is. Poor woman! I want to wring some necks for what they put her through. Though to be fair, she could have tried trusting others to get her out. Like her boyfriend, who is a seal! But then she is a crappy unwilling spy so no wonder she can't find a way out. And I liked her, she truly loved her family.

Now they meet again. They think the other one is dead. And one is really really angry.

Sparks fly! There are secrets. And there are baddies after them.  But between that they try to find each other again.

There is also the side story of Kate and Colt, that has been going on through out the books and they will finally get a hea too.

conclusion:
I enjoyed it.

Narrator
I like his big strong voices and the women voices too. He does those well. He does the book justice.

Synopsis

With his men scattered to all corners of the globe after a disastrous secret op in Russia, Lieutenant Commander Scott Taylor is trying to find out who was responsible for leaking the information that killed half his platoon. Were it not for Natalie Andersson, the woman he'd been secretly dating in the Pentagon who'd warned him of the danger, he knows they'd all be dead. Scott is devastated when he hears that the woman he loved and hoped to marry has been killed for helping him-until he learns that Natalie was the spy who betrayed them. But when his search to clear his name brings him face-to-face with a very much alive Natalie, Scott realizes that justice and vengeance might not be as clear-cut as he thought. 

Natalie Andersson, or as she was born Natalya Petrova, has put the memories of her early childhood in Russia behind her. She never dreamed that she would be at the center of an elaborate "sleeper" espionage program. Even when she learns the truth, she refuses to spy for the country of her birth, until the Russians threaten the lives of the only family she's ever known. But Natalie is the worst spy in the history of spying, falling for her target. When her attempt at misdirection leads to irreversible consequences, she's forced to run for her life, with her lover hot on her tail.

Audio: When we meet again- Kristin Harmel

Audio CD, 10 pages

Published December 25th 2018 by Tantor Audio (first published June 7th 2016)

Historical fiction / fiction

Thank you Tantor for this copy

My Thoughts

The eternal optimist died a bit here and kept on hoping. I knew they would get no hea, but hoped, even though hope had died a horrible death. Let me begin.

Emily is a journalist, down on her luck, and lonely. And then a mystery emerges. A painting from Germany showing her grandfather and stating that he always loved her grandmother. And this is a mystery that she needs to solve.

This whole family had issues. Her grandmother never met anyone else and was alone all her life, even if she had her son Victor.

Victor left Emily and her mum when Emily was young and he did not stay in contact.

Emily had her own issues that you will learn. So they are all messed up by something that happened long ago and their wounds have shaped them.

The story alternates between Emily trying to find out more about her mysterious grandfather. and how her gran Margaret met a POW named Peter and fell in love. And then we continue to see Peter's story through out the decades.

POWs in the US what nothing new, nor the first book I have read where someone fell in love. I mean it is not like they all were nazis. They had to fight, and Peter does not believe the monster that rules their country. Though he does love his homeland.

And I kept hoping. I know, silly, but I just wanted someone to be happy! Someone! And if you despair, do not worry, someone will be happy and the circle will be broken.

Narration

I love Justine Eyre! She is fun listening to. She makes any story good

Synopsis

Emily Emerson is used to being alone; her dad ran out on the family when she was a just a kid, her mom died when she was seventeen, and her beloved grandmother has just passed away as well. But when she’s laid off from her reporting job, she finds herself completely at sea…until the day she receives a beautiful, haunting painting of a young woman standing at the edge of a sugarcane field under a violet sky. That woman is recognizable as her grandmother—and the painting arrived with no identification other than a handwritten note saying, “He always loved her.”

Emily is hungry for roots and family, so she begins to dig. And as she does, she uncovers a fascinating era in American history. Her trail leads her to the POW internment camps of Florida, where German prisoners worked for American farmers...and sometimes fell in love with American women. But how does this all connect to the painting? The answer to that question will take Emily on a road that leads from the sweltering Everglades to Munich, Germany and back to the Atlanta art scene before she’s done.

Along the way, she finds herself tempted to tear down her carefully tended walls at last; she’s seeing another side of her father, and a new angle on her painful family history. But she still has secrets, ones she’s been keeping locked inside for years. Will this journey bring her the strength to confront them at last? 

PS. NO TMST today. The topic was winter picks and well...ehhh sorry have nothing. I am sure there are many but yes I never know when books are out