BellyGremlin

This reads like a Virgin: unexperienced. Apathetic narration, poor character and plot development, unengaging scenes.

Revisado: 07-26-24

Narration:
This Narrator is not cringey, her voice is actually very pleasant and easy to listen to. But, she isn't a convincing or emotive voice actor. It really just sounds like she's reading a homework assignment or documentary, not reenacting a story. This apathetic recounting makes it very hard for the listener to empathize with the characters, immerse in the plot, or really engage with the narrative at all. This Narrator would be lovely for narrating documentaries or other non-fiction, fact-based texts. I have listened to a few other Lindsay Hall books read by this Narrator, and it is the same for all of her material. Lovely voice, 0 connection/emotion.
Really enjoyed the Scots accent though (She's Brittish in other audiobooks).

Story:
The story line is just uninspired. As though the author wrote the outline for the series, identified key moments/scenes to support the plot, then, with the creativity of a middle-schooler, slowly added a skeleton/rudimentary narrative to support the outline, and then stopped there. I mean, really, it's like the cliffnotes version of a real story.

Interest:
Author also relied a bit too heavily on the unrequited love tension. With overuse, it became unexciting, lame, and repetitive. In general, the romance aspect was unimaginative, less than mundane. The sexy stuff wasn't at all gripping, lacked detail and sensuality, and was pretty much glossed over with the apprehension of a virgin... Much like the entire story - all of the development and detail was just sort-of skipped over. "This going to happen - This happened - Then it was done - Onto the next plan - Repeat." 0% Nuance, 100% direct.
I have listened to a few other Lindsay Hall books and it is the same for all of her material, and even worse in some cases. I'm pretty sure she uses AI to write her stories, then doesn't develop them.

Characters:
I'm totally flabbergasted that the author has multiple spin-off series with the other characters in this story. ALL of her characters are SO underdeveloped. There's very little personality that shines through, so you don't ever really "get to know" the characters. All you have to go off of is the occasional archetype labeling the author throws in there to introduce fun facts like she's networking, or their one-liner personal statement on their social media profile: "This is JoJo, and she's a badass. This is Amy and she's a sweetheart. This is Jackie, and she's a fun-loving prankster who's the kind of weird everyone loves." But, none of that comes through in the narrative, no experiences, no body language or creative dialogue - you just have to take the lead character's word for it.

Overall:
If you're looking for something to sink your teeth into and binge, this is soooo not it. 0% captivating.
If you're looking for some background noise with a pleasant voice while you go about your business, this is fine. You won't miss anything critical if you get distracted. You might think you did, and be tempted to rewind to hear how the event went down / unfolded, but don't waste your time - the author didn't unfold anything, she just checked the box and kept it moving, so you should too. Trust me, rewinding to check yourself because it seems like you missed something is a waste of time - you didn't miss anything, it's just that uncreative.
Probably not worth the time investment.

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best of the series

Revisado: 07-14-24

this one was my favorite of all (up through currently released, witch of webs). this book just felt like it had the most momentum in the story line. it was driving towards something, with purpose, rather than the casual meander of the other books. it was nice to see the multiple facets of this series start to enmesh.
I love that the author continually shuffles story lines - it allows you to savor the plot.

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really Meh

Revisado: 07-14-24

this Narrator and story lack creativity and depth. the story comes off as one that was perhaps generated by AI. the writing style reminds me of my creative writing pieces from middle school. I wouldn't spend money on it, but if it's free and you're just looking for some happy background noise, this series is a good choice.
this series isn't one that will enrapture your attention, or keep you listening long after you should've paused. it's highly predictable, and there isn't a lot of creativity in the writing, plot, or dialogue, but, I like the characters anyhow. it's an easy, light-hearted listen, when you don't want to be too engaged in a read.
i did finish the series (not sure if they were free or if i bought them all on sale and a whim), and i would offer that each book was both written and narrated a bit better than the one before, the third in the series being the best of the three.

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A feel-good non-toxic romance.

Revisado: 07-14-24

this was by far my favorite of the trilogy. the story had more creativity and detail than either of the other two. the Narrator seemed to be a bit more into it as well.
this series isn't one that will enrapture your attention, or keep you listening long after you should've paused. it's highly predictable, and there isn't a lot of creativity in the writing, plot, or dialogue, but, I like the characters anyhow. it's an easy, light-hearted listen, when you don't want to be too engaged in a read.
each book was both written and narrated a bit better than the one before, the third in series being the best of the three.

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I'm in love with Elliot. Just the heart-full, joyful escape I needed.

Revisado: 01-30-24

I really loved this - especially the part where two people were good to each other, and made the other feel like the best version of themselves, and celebrated the things about each other that they themselves were insecure about through an entirely different positive perspective.

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For the soul - a rebound experience

Revisado: 01-21-24

This book was more than just a story, an alternate reality to vacation in. I lived and experienced vicariously, a highly relatable, eye-opening experience. A wonderful, heart-warming read, no matter who you are, but especially if you are struggling in love and relationships, this book is a must. Sorbet for the soul.

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Not a sequel.

Revisado: 09-25-23

As other reviewers noted, there wasn't much added to the story line. It was like as soon as there was plot development in the "present," the book ended. If this were the end of the series/story and the author tied everything up in a neat bow at the end, I would've been ok with the limited development and mostly re-tell / homage to the series, but the clif-hanger at the end was frustrating, with so little storyline progression throughout this book. IMO, this should be proclaimated/advertised as book #4 .5 in the series (rather than #5) since it doesn't take the plot as far as a series book typically would. The next book better come out soon, and not the compendium! Finish the story!
It was nice hearing the story from Cass' perspective, and enjoyable. Based off what it is, I would've preferred more of the series detail from Cass' activities when he wasn't around Poppy, up through "present." Sometimes the re-tell for scenes with both Cass and Poppy was too exact, and i just wanted to rush through it, especially in the beginning. Cass' perspective developed more depth as the story went on.
The Narrator did a good job - I understand it's difficult for two different narrators to replicate similar voices for the same characters, which was distracting at times.

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read the "book 1 - final words," first

Revisado: 09-18-22

I just finished the first 3 hours - "book 1." I am eager to uncover the lessons of the last 4 hours of this book, "book 2."
ive posted this mid-read, because i wanted to be sure to i did so before i forgot the thought. prompted by a few other reviews I read. it occured to me that her "final words" of book 1 really had ought to have been stated up front. as another reviewer noted, it seems like she's "sticking up" for the narcissist in your life... not so; her point made in the "final thoughts" of book 1, is that before you can learn how to really effectively deal with a narcissist, you must first really understand narcissism. makes sense, right?
my therapist kept telling me my husband is a narcissist (btw, the only reason i have a therapist is at my husbands request. repurposed for coping with his gaslighting, and learning to build stronger personal boundary enforcement tactics since he routinely breaks them), but I was hesitant to believe her. After all, she only knows what I've told her... bais, right? well, she must be incredibly instinctive. after reading this book 1, it's like opening a window. it sucks to be faced with a realization of a truth you don't want, but it does have a way of grounding you, and providing a strange relief.
for that I am grateful.
I will update this review once I finish part 2.
one nitpick: the narrater is a bit difficult to listen to. I honestly did a doubletake at first listen - I thought she was an automated voice robot. department store elevators come to mind...

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