OYENTE

Wine Cellar Library

  • 12
  • opiniones
  • 8
  • votos útiles
  • 57
  • calificaciones

Pleasantly Surprised

Total
4 out of 5 stars
Ejecución
4 out of 5 stars
Historia
4 out of 5 stars

Revisado: 05-03-25

I adored the growing romance developing in secret. This is the first book I’ve read that has given a glimpse into the lives of concubines, and I appreciate that the author used real women in history to base this novel on. There is a squee moment at the end that is just so heartwarming. Highly recommend!

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Emotionally devastating in the best way

Total
5 out of 5 stars
Ejecución
5 out of 5 stars
Historia
5 out of 5 stars

Revisado: 02-06-25

Jewel E. Ann is one of my favorite authors–and by far my favorite romance writer. Her ability to create characters with undeniable chemistry and especially her skill in writing emotionally devastating plotlines makes her books completely absorbing page-turners.

The blurb for From Air fails to capture just how incredible it is–but it really is best experienced by going in blind. I never thought having my heart ripped out of my chest would feel so incredible, but here we are.

The audiobook is included for free with Kindle Unlimited subscriptions, and the narrators do a phenomenal job. Ada Sinclair’s narration of Jamie’s point of view is so masterfully portrayed, every emotion so raw that it feels like watching a heartwrenching film as more about everyone’s secrets is revealed.

The characters are so well-developed, each with a haunting secret and connections that could tear them limb from limb. Trust me on this very vague review and go with your heart–read this book and experience this masterpiece for yourself, then come back and tell me your thoughts so we can recover from the book hangover together while awaiting the next release in the Wildfire series!

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Should've read book 1 first

Total
3 out of 5 stars
Ejecución
4 out of 5 stars
Historia
3 out of 5 stars

Revisado: 01-29-25

This book is a novella that ties into the series but doesn't have to be read at any particular point. I wanted a quick read, so I decided to read this novella first, and I regret doing so. I think more context is needed, which I could probably gain from reading Sins of the Heart.

Overall, I really liked some concepts, but lacking context, I struggled to connect with the story and characters. The fact that Amber killed Kai and now he has returned was a very intriguing plot point. I would've expected him to be a little more bitter about it though!

The narrators did well, but I felt the voicing for Kai was really over-acted--think Christian Bale in Batman Begins.

I may come back and update this review after I read Sins of the Heart. I plan to read book 1 and then circle back to reread Sin's Daughter.

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Spicier than Catori

Total
3 out of 5 stars
Ejecución
4 out of 5 stars
Historia
3 out of 5 stars

Revisado: 01-29-25

While I enjoyed the book overall, I felt like the worldbuilding ended with Catori, and now it's just turning into shifter romance. I really like the element of dream shifting and bonded mates, but it seems like the plot progression was eclipsed by the romance in this one. While I connected with Frankie in Catori, I found that I couldn't really connect with any of the characters in Kermode.

The narrator did a good job, though I would have enjoyed more vocal variation for the women's dialogue and points of view.

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Age-gap shifter romance

Total
4 out of 5 stars
Ejecución
4 out of 5 stars
Historia
4 out of 5 stars

Revisado: 01-29-25

I really enjoyed the world-building centered around Native American shifter legends. The leap to romance felt pretty abrupt, though. Overall, Frankie is a very relatable character. Although she does not want to lead the Wisdom Counsel, she knows she cannot allow her depraved cousin to do so. Her journey from mourning and avoidance to standing against the restrictive new leadership was profound.

The narrator did a good job, though I would have enjoyed more vocal variation for the women's dialogue and points of view.

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To what extent will she go to find happiness?

Total
4 out of 5 stars
Ejecución
3 out of 5 stars
Historia
4 out of 5 stars

Revisado: 01-25-25

After raising two teenagers together, Trudy and her husband are nothing more than roommates. Attempts to talk to her husband lead to disappointment. The one friend she has that she can confide in can only speak to her when her own husband is out of town. When a handsome former coworker takes an interest in her, she tries to deny his advances, but he is nothing but persistent. Trudy has a choice to make–will she abandon her family to pursue an affair?

It’s important to note that despite genre classifications shown on Goodreads and Amazon, this book is not a romance novel. While it does have romance scenes, it does not fit the criteria of a romance. Audible has it classified appropriately as women’s fiction and contemporary fiction.

The Edge of Discontent is an examination of what happens in many marriages in turmoil when the love has died. Trudy’s character wants to do what’s right, but she also grapples with doing what will make her happy. Her character is very well-developed, and while flawed, she is also relatable. I really enjoyed this raw, realistic story.

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Heartrending story of learning to love after loss

Total
5 out of 5 stars
Ejecución
5 out of 5 stars
Historia
5 out of 5 stars

Revisado: 11-29-24

Maggie and her husband had been together since they were fifteen, living a perfect marriage of sensual bliss. When a car accident claims her husband’s life, Maggie is unmoored. Two years have passed, and she is nowhere close to healing, socializing too little and drinking too much. When Ryan moves into the house next door, he is captivated by Maggie. But her grief and her guilt about moving on, as well as the rivalry between her late husband’s family and Ryan’s, could prove to be too insurmountable.

The best books are the ones that grip you emotionally. Stories involving loss and grief are always an instant-read for me. The depth of emotion the author must convey awakens something within me. The way in which Lydia Michaels depicts grief in Wake My Heart is very well done. The guilt, the anger, the despair, and the emotional cutting Maggie struggles with are all very realistic and handled with tenderness. Ryan’s patience and understanding as Maggie grapples with her inner demons, letting her set the pace, make him such a compassionate partner. The narrator, Ashley Trumpler, elevates the emotional depth in a phenomenal performance, delivering a convincing portrayal of a woman broken by her husband’s passing and the weight of her suffering. Wake My Heart has set a very high bar for the Jasper Falls series, and I’m looking forward to reading the next book.

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The cliffhanger is so gripping!

Total
3 out of 5 stars
Ejecución
4 out of 5 stars
Historia
3 out of 5 stars

Revisado: 11-21-24

Elle’s childhood was spent learning her father’s business, and she became the CEO of Belle Elle as a teenager. Working as hard as she does has led to a very sheltered life. When she finally decides to go out on her own, she is assaulted by two men, but a young vagrant saves her. Unexpectedly, Elle becomes smitten with the young man but never even learns his name before he is arrested and she is whisked away. Years later, her father is trying to play matchmaker, and a cocky young man claims he can win her heart. Caving to Penn’s seduction, she still mourns the absence of the man who saved her that night, but she needs Penn’s protection from enemies who want control of her empire.

Be forewarned, Crown of Lies is the first book in a duet, so it ends on a cliffhanger, right in the middle of the action. The cliffhanger is gripping, so there is no way to skip the second book!

Kylie Stewart was a perfect casting for the role of Elle. She has a youthful voice, and her emotions shine through her narration. Alongside Eric Rolon, the two narrate as a duet. Even though Elle’s night with the homeless man who saved her is fleeting, you can feel their desire and their instant connection. What I found frustrating, though, was the male characters. Elle’s father is weak and gullible–not what I would imagine a former CEO to be. And Penn–his weird outspoken verbal assault on Elle’s bullies is uncomfortable and overacted. And it honestly makes little sense for the plot. I really enjoyed the storyline, though, despite these factors, which is why I still gave the book a good rating. I’m devastated by the cliffhanger, so I’ll certainly be reading the second half of the duet!

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He’s all in. He just needs to convince her.

Total
3 out of 5 stars
Ejecución
4 out of 5 stars
Historia
3 out of 5 stars

Revisado: 11-21-24

When Jane found out she was pregnant, the father left. She has raised her daughter, Londyn, alone, and hasn’t dated since. To get clients for her new venture, matchmaking, she goes out in a cupid costume, catching the attention of a playboy quarterback named Jasper. He proposes something she can’t refuse, even though she cannot stand him: he will try out her matchmaking service. The publicity her business would gain from his participation is too good to pass up. Jasper only has one match in mind, though, but Jane has Londyn–and her heart–to consider.

My Darling Jane by Ilsa Madden-Mills is a standalone within an interconnected series. It is a sweet romantic comedy, but unlike most rom-coms, this story is full of emotion. Both Jane and Jasper have severe abandonment issues, but Jane’s prevent her from considering a relationship. With Jasper’s estranged biological mother and Jane’s ex both trying to re-enter their lives, there is a lot of emotional turmoil. While Jasper is a star quarterback, I wouldn’t classify this as a sports romance; the book doesn’t explore his career. Instead, we meet the side of Jasper that the public doesn’t get to see: the man who stepped in to raise his twin teenage nieces. If the rest of this series has this much heart, I’d love to read them all!

Because the Audible audiobook of My Darling Jane is included with Kindle Unlimited, I was thrilled to listen to the book! I think it would have been better if it were performed as a duet, but the narrators did a good job varying their voices to reflect different genders when necessary.

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Beautiful Tragedy

Total
5 out of 5 stars
Ejecución
5 out of 5 stars
Historia
5 out of 5 stars

Revisado: 10-10-19

This is the first book in the Cormac Reilly series, but the second book chronologically. "The Sisters" is an Audible Original (and available only on Audible) and takes place about 10 years prior to this novel, when Detective Sergeant Carrie and her sister Aifric were first starting out in their careers.

Compared to "The Sisters," this book is exceedingly better. I am glad I read this book despite the fact that I had not been keen on its prequel. This book does not rely whatsoever on any of the storyline in "The Sisters," so if you do not have an Audible subscription, you are not missing out.

The story is tragic in many ways, and especially in Aisling's story. Aisling has just found out that she is pregnant, although she is not ready to be a mother due to just beginning her career as a surgeon, and then her boyfriend Jack is found dead, seemingly having killed himself. Then, there is the story of Jack's childhood with his sister Maude, neglected by an alcoholic mother and suffering physical abuse. Even more tragedy develops as the story unfolds. These dark themes may be difficult for some readers, but McTiernan addresses them delicately.

Despite the darkness, McTiernan's writing is crisp and powerful. Her characters have depth, and the protagonists are strong and dedicated. Although the characters have suffered, there is a positivity in each of them that makes them inspirational. The story is original and well-developed, absolutely beautiful against the tragic themes.

The narrator of the audiobook, Aoife McMahon, did a phenomenal job. Her inflections were perfect for the tone of each dialogue. Characters are easily discernable. She is a large reason why I have ordered the next book in the series on Audible. I truly look forward to continuing this series.

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