Brandi

This was a first from this author. The story started a bit slow, but picked up at a satisfying pace. Pacing was consistent and then got better as the book went along. The author’s writing is really on point and it keeps you engaged and informed the whole time. Story is told in dual POV in a past and present format. It can be confusing at first, but you quickly get the hang of it.

The storyline was interesting and engaging. I found the world building unique. It centers around a political war between the magistrates in the city. This book is Romantasy, but I’d say it’s centered around Gods/goddesses, politics, and power. Tensions are high and the characters are fighting for power and their lives. I haven’t read anything like this so it was very refreshing to see something different. The characters were interesting and I loved the main characters dynamic. I was rooting for them the whole time.

This story is a clean YA/NA romance so there are no in-depth spicy scenes or foul language. (What is in there is very toned down.) There is a lovely forbidden romance trope that I absolutely loved.

I am really intrigued and hoping there’s more to this story (book 2). I want to see what the future holds for our main characters. It’s almost like you get to know them and the book ends. With the way it ended, it did lead me to believe there is more to the story. I honestly can’t wait for more! I will be ready when the author puts it out.

I listened to the audiobook and narration was good. Narrators were perfect. This is a dual narration audiobook. Roughly 11 hrs listening time.

ONE OF THE TOP THIS YEAR!

This book BLEW ME AWAY! Woman moves to supernatural town with her teen niece. There she meets a group of supernatural beings and has to make choices that will affect her life forever.

This was my first book by this author and it was so well written and plotted that I was hooked by chapter 3 and couldn’t put it down. By chapter 8, I was fully invested and had collected a new book boyfriend (oh Fenris! Swoon!)

This book had me giggling and kicking my feet and squealing! It had me anxious for more and wanting to know what happened next. I didn’t want it to end! I prolonged it out bc I in fact didn’t want this book to end because I knew that was it.

This story was utterly fulfilling in all the best ways. Love, family, found family, friendship, belonging. It was heartbreaking and heart warming all at the same time. I loved the cozy vibes mixed with the supernatural.

The writing was top tier. The story flowed well and was easy to follow. I never found a lull in the story where it was fell flat. Pacing was consistent and only got better. The characters were well written and developed and I found them all interesting. (Especially Fen…did I mention I have a crush? Ha!) I love this mixed heart warning moments with serious and then funny. I loved our main characters and their banter.

I really hope with how this book ended that we will get a book 2! This can’t be it. I need more of those wonderful characters!

Audiobook was amazing! I have nothing but praises for the production and narration.

This book is a great choice if you love supernatural, cozy vibes, small towns and true Blood, Twilight, and vampire Diaries.

Did I mention I love Fenris? Ha! I know, I know! I might have mentioned it a couple times!

This is a tribute to reader- especially romance and romantasy readers who books are their life and have cultivated an online community around fictional worlds.

This book is a book within a book. You get Joonie, our heroine, who’s fave novel is A Tale of Saltwater and Secrets. She’s sworn off men in search of one that’s exactly like her fave fictional boyfriend, Ryke. She won’t accept anything less. Then the author of the book announces that Ryke is based on a real person. Joonie, vows to meet the man in person, so she sets out on an adventure with her brother’s best friend. There lots of romance book worthy things happen. It’s honestly so ‘trope laden’ that this is why this is an homage to romance readers.

In between the real life happenings we get excerpts from the book Joonie loves and get to witness what that book entails.

In the end, Joonie has to determine if fiction is better than real life.

The book was well written and interesting. I stayed invested the whole time. Pacing was consistent throughout the book. I absolutely love Samantha Brentmoor as a narrator so as always she was a perfect choice.

GRIPPING STORYLINE!

This book had me invested from the very beginning. I don’t think there was ever a lull in the story. I kept wanting to know more and didn’t want to stop listening. The main character was well developed and had depth and emotion. The story flowed well and was written well. I usually don’t prefer third person POV, but this one worked. Julia was well rounded as well as the side characters.

Audio production was good. I loved the narrator for this story.

Julia inherits a house in Tuscany from an unknown benefactor. While there, she’s researching if this person could be her lost lost family, as she was adopted. But also, strange occurrences are happening and she feels as if she’s in danger. What starts as a possible haunting, turns into a full fledged investigation. I was totally here for it!

Honestly, I am going to look up this author now to see what else she has published. I really did enjoy this book a lot, so I want to see what else she has done.

I have mixed feelings about this one. I didn’t dislike it, but didn’t love it either. I did give the author the attention they deserve and listened to 100%. The writing was good. The scenes were descriptive and the story did flow well. Third person POV is not my fave, but this author makes it work. The story did fall flat in a few places, but was cute and interesting in others. I do like how the characters fought to be seen and heard and their relationship was very cute and progressed at a natural and realistic pace. Narrator was good, I had no issues with the audio.

Tropes: Christmas, high school crush, second chance romance, queer romance, sports (hockey) romance, romcom, acceptance

Overall not a bad listen if you like sports romance.

A college student finds himself suddenly in a vampiric way and is thrust upon vampire society. He must navigate his new immortal life and his old one, concealing his secret and only coming out of the coffin, so to speak, to those humans he trusts the most. In the midst of his new life, Brennan must also navigate a budding relationship with book enthusiast, Cole. What ensues is a cute queer romcom.

This is a clean romance. Brennan and Cole have some cute flirty moments. I love how they stick up for each other.

The story was slow to start and didn’t really pick up until 55% into the audiobook. At that point it gets better and then it ends. I did wish this book had some faster pacing. Overall, the pacing is slow.

It did have some funny moments especially when one vampire was trying to figure out how to use a phone and text.

This book mentions Twilight saga a lot. Also mentions Vampire Diaries and Vampire Academy. If you are a fan of any of those, this book might be up your alley

(3.5 rounded up)

I love cowboys and Christmas so I was intrigued and excited to read this one. It started okay, but then it began to fall flat and failed to keep my interest. This was my first book by this author and her writing ability is good. The story does flow in a clear and concise manner and it’s easy to follow. I did find some points a bit repetitive though.

Now don’t get me wrong, I didn’t dislike the book. I did listen to 100% of the audiobook. This book had a redemption theme and second chances trope that I actually like. The characters had to discover themselves first before finding love. It’s very realistic, but was frustrating at times and appreciated at others. However, for whatever reason, I failed to connect to the story or characters the way I wanted… which is a disappointment to me because again…I love cowboys.

I did find that this is a series and maybe I will give the others a try because I want to give the author the chance they deserve. I do commend the author on a long and thought out series of books.

This was my first from this author and won’t be the last.

Our main character arrives home for her grandmother’s funeral to find that her body is missing….she then reconnects with a past love.

This story is a gothic enemies to lovers romance. It hails lots of mystery, intrigue, suspense, and secrets.

The two families (Blackthorns and Crofts) have family feud in what almost feels like a slight Romeo and Juliet reference, but not in a huge way. This adds to the storyline in a satisfying way. You have the romance side and then the family secrets and feud.

I love the gothic feel and the forbidden enemies to lovers romance. The book started really strong and then toward the end it almost shifted from gothic to paranormal. It was a bit jarring, but I went with it and it worked. The book is really well written and the story flows well. It is fast paced and keeps the pacing throughout the book.

This book is dual narration although there is a full cast of characters which I loved. Our main characters voice narrators were perfect. Connor Crais is one of my favorite narrators so I was happy to see him in the lineup. Sound quality was good. My only critique is that the speed the narrators talked was just a bit dated than normal. I had to slow down the speed lower than I normally listen at. It’s not a huge deal and didn’t take away from the storyline.

Tropes: betrayal, family secrets, enemies to lovers, magic, forbidden love, mystery

I will definitely be looking into this author’s next books for sure!

(4..25)

First, as. southerner myself, I loved that this book was set in the South. I loved that her mom went on.a trip to Orange Beach, which is where we vacation. I really love seeing Southern representation in books.

Secondly, this book was extremely cute and wholesome. Yes, there is some spicy scenes, but the rest of the story is so sweet I got a tooth ache! Like a magical farm filled with pug-like piggies with unicorn horns? CUTE!

From Payne to Rowe, and the multitude of other characters, each and every one was well thought out and well written. The story flowed well and was easy to listen to as an audiobook. Narrators were great. The author’s descriptions and writings was spot-on. I found myself immersed in this magical world and I didn’t want to leave.

This book had some seriously funny moments and I found myself laughing out loud several times. I enjoyed the humor and Payne and Rowe’s banter.

Now, thirdly, where can I get a piggycorn for myself? They sound absolutely adorable!

This book is a cute and funny second chance romance told through a past and present format. Paige is a waitress that writes songs on the side. Liam is an ex baseball player who now has a gig as a tour manager. Paige and Liam dated in the past and broke up after Paige thought he had betrayed her. Fate intervenes and they meet again only to rehash the past.

For starters I love that this book had so many places mentioned that I love: Tennessee: Bristol, Nashville, Knoxville, and Gatlinburg. It even mentions Gulf Shores in Alabama and a brief mention of Talledega. I love when books mention places I know and love because it feels like ‘home.’ I love the southern charm because again as a Southerner, it feels right and feels like something I know. It feels “homey”. The book was was authentic and genuine in its representation.

This book is insanely funny. I was laughing out loud so many times. I loved the banter between the main characters and the funny quips which gave it more depth. Seriously, the humor was on par.

The story was well written and flowed well. I don’t think I ever encountered a ‘lull’ in the story or it falling flat. I felt like it had consistent pacing.

The story had real depth in that the issues and anxieties in the main characters were real and handled with care. These were real life things that can happen in families and real insecurities and issues. It was treated delicately and in a way that was realistic and not ‘flowery’. There were times that it was frustrating for the characters to fight about the same things. Ultimately, they get that second chance and they talk about it maturely like adults. Which again is realistic and appreciated. I do like how the characters change and grow. They learn what they want in life, they learn what they don’t want. Ultimately they learn to let go of the past and that that past doesn’t define them. They learn that they aren’t responsible for everyone’s happiness…only their own and they have to make decisions that only further their future.

Personally; I think this book is good for anyone that has had anxieties, losses, or family issues growing up or if they ever had anxiety about taking those next steps in life. Sometimes to get what you want, you have to put yourself out there. There is a great life lesson to be found in this book.

My only critique was that the story started strong and about 80% in, the story started to lack a bit of the luster it had in the beginning. It wasn’t bad, it just didn’t have the same pizazz if that makes sense. Narration was wonderful! I loved the southern accent of the narrator.

Overall, a cute read if you like romcoms with a life lesson.

Tropes: family dynamics, second chances, anxiety, social anxiety, social exposure/celeb status, (possibly imposter syndrome), trust, acceptance, friendship

This one was a wild ride! (No pun intended bc...well...horse). Anyway, this one combined mythology, horror, supernatural,  and a thriller in one! 

Years later, after her father was convicted of murdering a town boy and took his own life, our MC is willed by her grandfather to live one month in the family property at Payne's Hollow. If she can do so, she will inherit a large sum of money which will better her life. Her grandfather vows that her father was innocent, and back on the property, she will learn the truth. As a kid, she saw things. Now back on the family land, the things are coming back in a haunting way. Now she must find out who and what is doing it all.

I was on the edge of my seat the whole time! I didn't put it down! Narrator was great! Story was gripping and entertaining. There were a couple parts that were predictable, but there were some amazing twists that I didn't see coming. Honestly, the end left me shocked and stunned. 

All in all, this is an excellent read/listen! I have a new author to add to my list! 

There are a few constants in my life:

1) I will continue to review books and tell everyone I know what books I love 
2) I will tell anyone and everyone about my dogs 
3) Emma Scott books will make me bawl my eyes out. 
4) I will read EVERYTHING Emma Scott writes 

MY NEW FAVE AUTHOR.

Let me just say that this is my third Emma Scott book to review, and every book I read is better and better. I love the way she writes and evokes such passion and emotion into the story where you feel as if you are not just reading it, you are living it like you are a part of the story. Like I said- NEW FAVE AUTHOR! These books have completely dethroned some of my long time faves. 

In this book, we see a story of a ten year old boy and girl who meet by chance and hit it off. They write to each other during the years which doesn't go as they planned as they never receive the letters. 

Fate, has other plans when they meet again in an elite high school. Emery and Xander are just teens, but their feelings have never faded from years ago when they were just kids. Emery is the kind popular girl from a rich influential family and daughter of a controlling father. Xander is a genius from a less prominent family, but his dad, a genius too, has his health failing. 

This story is heart breaking and soul crushing- and then in true Emma Scott fashion, she mends it all together in a beautiful way. It's like through the mud and dirt and rain, a beautiful flower grows to show that sometimes to grow we have to be buried. I found myself  smiling and laughing, and hurting along with the main characters. I felt almost every bit of emotion they did (which is a testament to the author and narrators of the audiobook). Ugh! This book gripped me by the heart and wouldn't let go! I think it's etched itself there along with her previous ones: ‘Full Tilt', and ‘All In' which is fine. I'm saving a place for all her books in my heart as the previous ones are there, and this one is now among some of my fave books I've ever read. This one, like the others, made me cry! BIG TIME!

If you like an emotional read with heart, please do yourself a favor and read this book. This book is heavily influenced by Romeo and Juliet (with a happy ending) with a hint of The Notebook. If you are fans of those, I think you'd love this one. I know I did. I don't think I will forgot it anytime soon.

Themes/tropes: grief, heartbreak, family expectations, controlling parent, acceptance, found family, friendship, bonds, promises, forgiveness.

Audiobook was wonderful. Once again they chose the right narrators. It was dual narration and both did an amazing job giving life to the characters and evoking such emotion in their production. 

If you are a fan of Jane Austen, this book is for you. 

Our heroine is a fan of Jane Austen and strives to be like her and author her own works. But as it's taboo in this time for women to write, she hides under a pen name. 

Meanwhile, the love of her life, is struggling financially and must marry a wealthy woman to keep the family afloat-and Emmie is not in the running as she's a country girl. But despite, her lack of dowry, she helps Simon keep his family in check. 

And in true Jane Austen fashion, our heroine and hero learn valuable lessons on propriety, family dedication, honor, and love.  They overcome all obstacles in a romantic way that woood have even Jane Austen clapping from her grave. 

Can we please make this a movie? I'm ready to swoon over it on the screen! 

Audiobook was amazing. It was dual narration. Narrators were easy to listen to. 

2 short stories in one! This audiobook has 2 stories, each connected.

These are short, cozy romance stories that will warm your heart. 

First is a story about second chances and beginning again later in life. Wynn is a single mom just doing her own thing. Garrick is a single dad of an adult child and a cop. He asks Wynn to help him decorate his house for the visit of his pregnant daughter. I loved their story and it was heartwarming to read their journey. 

Next one is about a princess who hides her identity. But she learns to find love no matter who or what she is. She learns to live a life that is fully hers. 

A cute short sequel if you read the previous book- Accidentally wedded to a Werewolf. (Who have some brief cameos in this book).

In this installment, actor Chimera, Arthur, returns to Claw Haven to shoot a film he is starring in. His old high school, flame, Emma, runs the cafe where the movie will be filmed. There is some baggage and some left over feelings as these two explore the past and navigate the future. 

Trope: second chances

Audio: dual POV, approx 4 hours. 

This story..... oh wow! This story got me right in the feels! It's a heartwarming, cozy, feel-good story that will make you think, make you smile, and make you cry. 

Shelby's grandmother passes and leaves her bookstore to Shelby and ex boyfriend, Gray, who must run the bookshop together. Gray left years ago and left Shelby with a broken heart. Now, under one bookshop roof, they must face those feelings and the past. And Gray must face the community who vilified him.  

This story, is about forgiveness. It's about second chances. I felt terrible for Gray and everything he had been through.  It really broke my heart for him. For it was wonderful to see how he had changed and grew and how the past and family troubles  really define him. 

The ending....well let's just say I cried! No, actually, I ugly cried! My dog jumped on me and started licking me because she thought something was wrong. It was a happy cry, not a sad one. It was a beautiful ending and one both characters rightly deserved. 

Bookmarks up (my well done) to the author on a beautifully written, engaging, and enigmatic story with a beautiful lesson. I honestly can't say enough how much I enjoyed this read. 

Tropes: second chances, grief, loss, family troubles, forgiveness, redemption, bullying, community, family, honor, hope. 

Listening time: 12 hours, single POV

Audio narrator was wonderful! The whole production was amazing. 

Nancy, who runs the town bookstore and Jack, the socially awkward guy who comes in looking for a book. 

Nancy is a witch and Jack is a demon. What ensues is a heartwarming story about love and acceptance beyond ‘labels' and accepting someone for what's in their heart. 

Jack is just adorable. Sure he's a demon, but he has heart and wants to do everything to impress his girl. He never thinks he can get it right but Nancy is the one that makes him realize, he doesn't have to be perfect....just be himself. 

I love a good story with a good life lesson and this one had one 

From the song playing demon car, the British accented pug, and a grump adorable Jack...this book had me smiling from ear to ear. 

The narrator was great and had a solid performance of each character. Listening time was approx 8 hrs.

AUDIOBOOK REVIEW 🎧

(4.5)
My fave quote: “It takes a strong cowboy to put up with a bull, and a strong woman to put up with a cowboy.”

This was one of those books that was a pleasant surprise. 

New York city girl and a cowboy. Cassandra goes to a ranch to work on some development ideas for the ranch. There she meets a broody, grumpy sunshine, single dad cowboy. While there working on the project, Cassie, gets a full glimpse of the rural life and the ins and outs of the ranch. She meets his children and learns that it's now always where you are in life... it's who you spend it with. 

I really adored our surly ranch dad, Christian. He was honestly adorable and his love for his children was so admirable that it made me love him even more. This man loves his family, his kids, and his ranch. And he is the epitome of a southern gentleman... SWOON! Our heroine...well, I'll be honest, I wasn't a huge fan of hers at first, but I grew to love her. She started out maybe a little as an aggressive go-getter.  That's great because her ‘girl boss' attitude came in handy several times. But the ranch life soon smoothes her edges and she fits in the ranch life like the perfect pair of cowboy boots. Honestly, I loved seeing their dynamic together and how they evolved and progressed in the story. Let's also give Mickey the cow a round of applause. 

Narration was a dual POV. I loved the narrators. The male narrator gave Christian that gruff voice that truly embodies a cowboy.  Audiobook length was approx 10 hrs. 

Tropes: slight enemy to acquaintances to lovers, single widower dad, cowboy, found family, later in life love, second chances. 

Since I've finished, I have looked at the author's other works. I will be adding them to my TBR and looking for more cowboy romance.

Care for a NASCAR/F1 book, but also want fantasy? This book has you covered because you get both in one—-albeit it's racing phoenixes and not cars. But you get my drift-no pun intended.

This book was enchanting, enticing, interesting, and engaging. From start to finish, I could not stop listening. 

I really hope there are more books in this series because now I want more of the Howlers and the Phoenixes. 

The world is interesting and the system in which they race phoenixes is intriguing. 

I loved the audio narration. Narrator was great. I sometimes have trouble with a British accent but this one was easy to listen to. 

I'd recommend this for any fantasy lover that loves animals and a bit of racing on the side! 

Luna gets snowed in and finds herself accidentally bonded to the broody werewolf, Oliver.

The premise of the story was good. I love a good cozy romance and this does the job. This is a great cozy story for spooky month or if you like supernatural stories in general. 

However, the story did lack some emotional pull for me. I liked it, but I didn't love it. I didn't feel the ‘bond' (no pun intended). I would have loved if this had pulled me in a bit more.

Overall, not a bad read if you are looking for a werewolf romance 

If you are a fan of Christmas Hallmark movies, do yourself a favor and grab this book! 

Jill Jacobs writes scripts for movies and has a meeting to pitch an idea to the ‘Heartfelt' network. She goes back to her hometown for Christmas and during a particular night, she's transported to an idealistic, Christmas. town and her life becomes  an actual ‘Heartfelt' movie complete with all the elements you know and love about holiday movies on Hallmark. In this new life she meets again two men: her high school crush and her ex boyfriend. Jill must learn lessons that will heal her heart and mind, and learn the biggest lesson of all....”open your heart.” 

This book exceeded all expectations in the BEST way possible! It was funny, cute, charming, heart warming, and had a dash of spice (probably cinnamon and clove if you ask me). It had all the aspects of what we love from holiday movies. The heart warming cozy feeling that makes you want to bring out the holiday decor and sit on the couch with a cup of hot chocolate.

Let's talk about how funny this book is. I was laughing out loud the whole time! This author deserves an award for her hilarity and shenanigans! A+ well done! Fine holiday fun! 

I loved the narrator and narration style. She brought Jill to life in an amazing way. 

Audio is approx 9 hrs long. 

Woman hits man straight out Bridgerton with her bike....

This book is a modern day woman meets 1800's Scottish time traveler romcom. Basically a meet cute with a historical spin. 

I laughed, I swooned... this book gave me FEELS! By chapter 5, I was laughing so hard my sides hurt. This book is seriously hysterical and ‘swoony' in all the best ways. 

Once I started this book, I could not put it down. I finished it all in one day. (Actually I was done by 3pm).

This book is for fans of Outlander and Bridgerton but with a hint of medical drama thrown in for giggles. The historical aspect gives this book a nostalgia feel but h combined with the modernity, it's very well rounded. Extremely well written and dare I say it again? One of the funniest and cutest books I've read this year! I will definitely keep this author on my radar. She's gained another reader in me! I've now told friends they needed to put this book on their TBR.

I wasn't sure what to expect going into this book (because I didn't read reviews), but it certainly wasn't this! And I mean this in the best way possible!

A short murder investigation plus spicy romance! 

This book kept me engaged and full immersed in the story. I loved the sound effects and narration. It added real depth to the storyline. This book is positively spicy so full warning to readers if they are sensitive to adult themes. This book may not be for everyone due to the themes involved, but I absolutely DEVOURED it and enjoyed every minute! And OMG! The ending! I was in SHOCK! Well done to our author on an amazing twist! 

Meet cute on a plane meets second meet cute at a funeral. What ensues is a series of karmic events in this beachy romcom.

Our main character is asked to write the eulogy at a funeral. While on the plane she meets a man that will change the trajectory of her entire life. 

This book has all the feels! It's cozy and romantic and makes you think of life in a different way. I really enjoyed the banter between our main characters and the relationship our main female has with her friends. 

A short steamy why-choose supernatural romance!

Lucy ends up on a mountain with a busted ankle. She's whisked away to a town straight out of a fairytale novel and evey male wants her. 

What ensues is straight romance novel come to life!

Perfect for supernatural/monster romance lovers and those who love ‘why choose' romance.

I cannot wait to read the rest of this series!