Amorina Carlton

Delightful Fairtytale Retelling

Revisado: 04-06-25 El oyente recibió este título gratis

Fairtytale retellings are so big right now, and you'll love this one. And, were really getting into the meat and bones of it now, finally in book 3. In some places, it's been a little bit of a slow build up, but this third book is everything that we've been waiting for so far. The build up has been epic, and worth it. You can finally start to see the cracks on the edges and see what the basis for the sotry is!

This is one of those stories I have a hard time keeping up with the characers, just because there are a LOT of them. Not uncommon in fantasy stories. Listening helps becuase their voices are different - the voice actresss, who is the authors lovely wife - does a great job of differentiating - but it wouldn't be a horrible idea to have a written copy or take notes.

The writing and storyline is gorgeous and epic. I feel I'm probably not alone in saying Min is my favorite character - she seems like she is everyone's favorite even in the story. But, it could be bias on my part.

The narrator's skills have improved over the course of the books, and this book's size is a lot more manageable that previous books.

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Adorable Holiday Read

Revisado: 04-06-25

Throughout the rest of the year I don't really care what it is I read, but during hte holidays I want to read holidays books. This one was adorable and completely appropriate for book lovers. I loved the characters, the growth, the story, and just the big warm holiday hug of it all.

The quirky, lovely great aunt with a mission that the MC has to follow to a tee. The bad guy who the MC thinks is a good guy, typical romcom leading man material.

The romcom Disney movie "because it's Christmas" of it all. Just "chef's kiss" perfection. Just put on some headphones, do what you need to do to get ready for the holidays and listen to this delightful holiday story. You won't be mad.

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A real tearjerker!

Revisado: 02-01-25 El oyente recibió este título gratis

If you're an audiophile, you'll love this book - especially if you love a good old-fashioned tearjerker, just in time for Valentine's Day.

You'll definitely want a big ol' box of tissues nearby while you listen to this one. If you've never really figured out audiobooks, I always like to engage in a hobby, driving, or cleaning while I listen - it makes both the other task AND the torture of waiting for the story to progress go faster. I don't mean the book was slow, just that sometimes you just need to know what is going to happen - this was one of those times!

The performer, Claire Duncan, absolutely brought the story to life. The reader can make or break the story. Sometimes, if they're good, you don't even notice them, or they enhance the story tenfold. Ms. Duncan was somewhere in between. I'm so glad to have listened to the story in audio format.

The concept of the tale was so interesting, a love triangle, but with one member already gone, removed from the equation. As we learn more about the relationship between Robin and Jed, the more he haunts and threatens her current relationship with Nick. The quintessential example of the "perfect" dead partner that the new partner can't live up to the memory of, it seems. But, of course, you'll have to read the story yourself to see if everything is as it seems.

I saw lovely aspects and flaws in all three points of the triangle, which worked to make the story more beautiful and more tragic all in one. It really was as heartbreaking and heartwarming as promised. And, in some ways, I was left a little uncertain how to feel in the end. This might be one that warrants a second read/listen before all the dust on my heart really settles.

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Quick, Stunning Listen

Revisado: 12-31-24

This is my first book by this author and it won't be my last. I didn't even know this was the author that wrote A Man Called Ove - something that's on my list - when I grabbed this short little listen over the holidays.

I finished it in an evening and couldn't put it down. Like watching a train wreck, this story begs the listener/reader to keep on. You won't be able to part with the ragtag team and you'll keep wondering if poor Lucas will ever be able to finish his video game.


I'll certainly say I wouldn't wantt to meet Lydia in a dark alley!!

While I wouldn't exactly call the read a comedy or light, I'd you need something to clear your pallet this will absolutely do the trick.

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Great narrators!

Revisado: 10-28-24

The narrators really brought this story to life. I really love that the author was involved. I always feel that brings an huge level of authenticity to the audiobook. The emotional intensity of this book, to me, is much better portrayed in the audiobook. It is also really cool to be able to hear the accents and language that my purely American brain would not have filled in.

My heart is still pounding from the massive cliffhanger, and I keep trying to reach for the book because of the absolute feeling of unresolved tension! That's some good writing, and I sure hope there is a next book because I will be waiting ever so (un)patiently to find out what happens next!

This book is not for the faint of heart. There is a content warning of violence and dark themes, but I think that is a warning intended to avoid spoilers. I've included a more extensive warning, as spoiler-free as possible, below.

It's been a few years (heh) since I was 16. I feel like this book might be a little mature, even for a 16-year-old, but I might be misremembering. It is very violent, includes very mature themes, and is just so intense. The romance scenes get spicier than I'd prefer my teen to read - of course, my kid is six right now, so it's speculative. If it weren't marketed as a YA Thriller, I would be raving. So, I'll start that now.

The storyline was fast-paced and carried me along from start to finish. It was captivating, and I needed to know what was going to happen right up to the end. We get the answers to some questions, but so many are left open. There are twisting roads and paths that lead to so many confusing avenues. This is one of those thrillers that really prove that we don't need supernatural monsters to scare us. Humans are plenty scary enough.

I didn't get to read the first book, but I'll go back to read it. People said this could be read alone, but I felt like I missed a lot.

Who's It For?

This book is classified as a YA Thriller for ages 16 and up. I’m not a parent of a teenager, so I’m not entirely sure how appropriate that age assessment is. I can say it is a very intense book and includes many triggers. I’ve listed as many of them as I can remember, and I feel like I probably missed some. It is not for the faint of heart, and it is by no means a light-hearted, easy read. It has extremely dark themes and topics, and the storyline is not hopeful for the majority of the time so that it could be harmful to some people’s mental health.

Content Warnings: Attempted Sexual Assault, Graphic Violence, Torture (Physical and Psychological), Kidnapping, Brainwashing, Human Trafficking, False Imprisonment, Adult Situations, Adult Language, Child Abuse, Child Abandonment

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Galbraith can weave a tale

Revisado: 06-09-24

As the series continues, it delves deeper and deeper into the subject matters, cases, and relationships.

This one was full of absolutely shocking twists and turns that I did not see coming. It will probably leave you unsettled. Though not horror I recommend reading with the lights on.

This one has a trigger list a mile long and really begins to get to the meat of relationships between the main characters. We even start to learn more about some of the supportive characters which I truly enjoyed.

CW: Suicide, Suicidal Ideation, Torture, Religious Ideation, Brainwashing, Pedophilia, Child Harm, Child Trafficking, Drug Use, Alcohol Use, Sexual Assault, Domestic Abuse, Child Abuse and Neglect, Basically if there is a TW it's probably in here somewhere

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Very Intense Listen and Read

Revisado: 03-12-24 El oyente recibió este título gratis

This seems like the perfect kind of book to share on International Women's Day, because it features a strong independent woman who is unlikeable and doesn't give a d**n. She is not fitting into your stupid boxes, and that is okay!

This book was very well written, and the characters were very well developed. Overall it was thrilling, edge-of-your seat action that kept the book moving, and the world the characters lived in didn't feature a dull moment. But it wasn't really my cup of tea. If I'd been a little more careful reading the blurb, I'd have realized that, but apparently I overlooked the military part of "military thriller." I know how ever that there are tons of people who LOVE this. My own dad, if he were a reader, would read this in a day. If the author can get a movie deal, my dad would watch this for a week straight.

I have found a love for domestic and crime thrillers in the past year, but I'm really not into war and high action/fighting books. And this book helped confirm that for me. But if you are into those, this is a really great one. It is full of action, strong female leads, and nihilistic flavor. I have a hard time with that because of my own nihilistic tendencies and this hit on some triggers I'm not comfortable dwelling in. I can handle them in passing, but really digging in is rough for me.

Those who love military and action thrillers will love this book. If you love Jack Reacher or Jason Bourne, this is your kind of book. But this has some serious triggers, and they hit you right off the bat. Both of the main characters deal with some serious issues, so check your triggers and make sure you're in the right headspace to proceed.

The narrator added an extra layer to the story that I think would be lacking in the traditional reading of it. The emotions delivered in a way that you might not interpret them yourselves. Some of them delivered nearly deadpan, when you might interpret them differently. I enjoyed the performance quite a lot.

Content Warnings: Suicidal Ideation/Intention, Adult Situations, Harsh/Adult Language, War, Violence, Religious Ideation, Nihilism, and More

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Great story and performance

Revisado: 01-22-24

Anyone who loved the first installment of the Luke Sackville series by S.J. Richards will love this second book revisiting the ex-cop turned ethics enforcer and his ragtag team as they try to save the day.

If you love a good crime thriller with an intriguing twist, Richards will deliver. He has created something unique. We often ex-police sleuths set up as private detectives or security workers. We also see journalists or bakers or similar professionals somehow solving crimes better than the bumbling cops. But Richards has taken these two tropes of related, but different genres, and made something new. Maybe it’s a cozy crossover, but I don’t think that’s what it’s supposed to be.

We have Luke, our broken, brusque, but loveable ex-cop leading the pack of misfit, but equally delightful team of new investigators through this strange corporate world. Not one of them is experienced in investigations, but somehow are all better than the cops. As both a cozy mystery and a thriller fan, it’s the sweet spot in the middle I love! And the sometimes dark humor with which Richards weaves his tale absolutely delights me. Outside of the occasional cozy mystery, I’ve never seen a crime/mystery writer that offered such comedy.

Like so many other reviewers, Josh is probably my favorite. I enjoyed his new friend Mandy this go around. I really hope we’ll see more of her in the future. But I also really loved getting to know some of the other characters more this time around.

The entire storyline this time was absolutely fascinating, and terrifying. How easily either thing could happen to any female presenting person. Especially in the world of rideshares and food delivery, the next generation might be more trusting than previous ones. It’s definitely something we have to consider while raising the world’s children.

I can’t wait to read the next one and see what the group will get up to next. As far as the audio performance, I much perferred this one over the first one. I had to look up who narrated both of them, because they had a similar sound, but I was pretty sure it was a different person. I can't really put my finger on why I preferred this one, but I did. I believe Mr. Parsons did a fine job on the first one, but I just slightly preferred Mr. James' work. Either way, I enjoyed listening the story and Mr. James brought it to life so well. I especially felt that he did a great job in his ability to give each character a distinct voice. Josh sounds so different from Luke, but he had no problem showing that.

If you love a good crime book, especially one with great twists and sometimes dark humor. This book does cover some very dark and disturbing topics, so please be very cognizant of the content warnings.

Content Warnings: Kidnapping, Child Abuse, Sexual Assault, Nonconsensual Prostitution, Human Trafficking, Murder, Violence, Torture, Infidelity, Parental Death, Child Death, Spousal Death,

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intriguing, original story

Revisado: 12-11-23 El oyente recibió este título gratis

I think this was probably one of the funniest thrillers I’ve ever read. Overall, it wasn’t funny in a general sense – like the storyline wasn’t funny. But the writing and the characters offered comic relief in just the right places to make a darkly comedic story that was thrilling, kept me turning pages, and wanting more. Which is good, because it’s billed as a series. And it’s always horrible when you want more of something and can’t ever get it.

While like most thrillers and crime fiction stories, there was a main detective and a main crime to be solved, this story was much more of an ensemble cast than some others I’ve read. I really enjoyed this and look forward to seeing more of the team that was built in this first installment. Each of our characters is trying to overcome something – from the death of a beloved spouse to “the menopause” and everything in between. It’s a great collection of characters with personal issues ripe with storylines.

I really appreciate the interesting angle this story is taking as well. It’s not unusual for detective stories to utilize the ex-cop trope. But I’ve not read one that places the cop within a company like this as an ethics investigator. It’s a unique take, and I really enjoyed it. The only complaint I can somewhat lodge is the motivations of the villain seemed off, but that is unfortunately life sometimes. And it’s what makes life so scary. Stories like this help remind us to be kind, but also that sometimes even that isn’t enough.

If the author has any other books I’ll definitely be checking those out. If not, I’ll be (probably not-so) patiently waiting for the next adventure in this series.

If you’re a detective novel lover, this is a great read. This is the start of an exciting new series with a great detective in the lead. He is unique, has his quirks, and his specialties. His supporting team is awesome, his family is great, and he has a sweet pup.

I didn't click with the narrator immediately, but I got over that pretty quickly and he did a pretty great job.

Content Warnings: Kidnapping, Abusive Language, Adult Language, Partner and Parent Death, Murder, Suicide, Hostile Workplace Environment, Sexual Assault, and More

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Great Christmas Tale

Revisado: 11-15-23 El oyente recibió este título gratis

This is a delightful listen (and read, I’m sure) that your kids will want to hear multiple times this holiday season.

My 5-year-old rarely enjoys audiobooks. Incidentally, the only one she’s ever enjoyed was about Christmas. But she loved this one! A fast-paced story with lots of action, a mystery, and a great conclusion, it is a great story for the whole family to enjoy.

The cover art is gorgeous, so I definitely think this is one we’ll get in a physical copy as well because I’d love to see the rest of the art. The storyline gave me modern-day Grinch vibes, but it’s still it’s own story. My daughter loves the Grinch, so if your kiddos – or you – love him too then snap this one up.

Myself, my husband, and my daughter are all neurodivergent – as well as the majority of her aunts and uncles – so I really appreciate anything that goes toward helping neurodivergent individuals. Knowing that this book is designed in a way to help kids read it better with a special font, and 5% of proceeds are going to help fund Dyslexia and Autism organizations is inspiring.

I listened to the audiobook version, and I really enjoyed the narrator. I realized, however, that we have not exposed my daughter to enough Scottish accents yet though. I had to slow the book down for her because she couldn’t understand it at normal speed. The narrator has a rather thick Scottish accent – though I’ve heard thicker – so if you’re not familiar with Scottish accents, you may too have to slow down your normal listening speeds. Or consider the written versions.

Who’s It For?
The recommended age group is 4-10, and I think that’s appropriate. For the younger kids, it’s an exciting story and for the older ones they’ll actually benefit from the clear messaging.

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