Effie Kammenou

Unexpectedly enjoyable

Revisado: 12-02-23

I've been hearing about this book for a long time. I've read quite a few ... many ... erotic romances. The title kept me away, I think. I didn't realize it was a series with titles all based on cocktails. It's clever.
Full disclosure, I decided to listen to this book because PassionFlix is filming the movie adaptation as I write this review. And I must say, I was pleasantly surprised. Though I don't know why I should have been. The PassionFlix producers have chosen well with their projects.
This story was pure (or not so pure ...hehe) and simple enjoyable entertainment. I loved the whole cast of characters and I can't wait to read or listen to the rest of their stories.

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Another wonderful historical novel by Fiona Davis

Revisado: 02-03-22

As with all of Fiona Davis' books, she recreates a particular era in NYC history through one of its landmarks. In this case, the backdrop is the Chelsea Hotel, a popular residence for artists and entertainers, during the McCarthy trials.

The impact of threats, blacklists, and accusations had on the lives of the people who dwelled at the Chelsea are realistically explored in this historical fiction novel.

With an eclectic cast of characters, this story begins at the tail end of Worl War II and concludes in the late 1960s.

My compliments to the narrators. They brought the story and characters to life beautifully.

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Really great narrator

Revisado: 02-13-20 El oyente recibió este título gratis

Although Very Personal Training does not fall into my preferred sub-genre of erotica, I found the story well- written and one that would excite its audience. Definitely a fun, quick listen. I was given a free code to listen to this story in exchange for an honest review, which in no way influenced my opinion. The author is a talented writer and the narrator was skilled at her craft.

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DNF

Revisado: 02-12-20

I couldn’t even listen to ten minutes. The male narrator was so bad. I might try reading on kindle as this book was recommended to me.

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I thoroughly enjoyed this audiobook

Revisado: 01-19-20

Meet Me on Love Lane is the second book in The Hopeless Romantic Series. While it’s not necessary to read On the Corner of Love and Hate first, I do recommend it. I Enjoyed the first book but, I have to say, I absolutely loved this second installment.
As a young child, Charlotte had been ripped away from her secure town, the comfort of her grandmother and her best friend, Henry, by her unstable, bitter and manipulative mother. Years later, after finding herself at a crossroads in her life, she returns, but her memories of the years she’d spent in her first home town were vague.

This story was equally sweet and heartbreaking. Nina Bocci sent Charlotte on a journey of discovery to unearth her past, and the reader went along for the ride with her. And Henry was there, waiting and praying that she would remember what they had once meant to one another as children, hoping the bond they forged was strong enough to build a future together. He broke my heart more than once.

The interaction and relationship with the characters from On the Corners of Love and Hate was also appealing. I enjoyed seeing more of what Emma and Cooper were up to, as well as the other residents of this charming small town. I can’t wait for book 3.

The narrator did a nice job of playing out the characters and telling the story. She had a clear and pleasant voice and I would gladly listen to other books narrated by her.

Effie Kammenou - Author of The Gift Saga Trilogy

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Best book I’ve listened to all year

Revisado: 11-13-19

So moving. Wonderful parallel stories. One more sad Nazi era account but told with beauty and hope. Great narration. I highly recommend this book.

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So good for so many reasons

Revisado: 10-21-19

The Contract by Melanie Moreland was the first book I’ve read by this author but it won’t be the last. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Richard is the boss from hell and Katharine is his complying personal assistant who takes whatever he demands.

In time, you learn why she puts up with him and his demeaning treatment. Suddenly, Richard needs her for his own professional gain and they enter into a contract where she pretends to be his fiancé.

Has this been done before? Yes. But the personal growth and change in Richard’s attitude and character drew me in. Moreland handled it realistically. Little by little Katharine unknowingly breaks down his barriers through the example of her goodness, kindness and generosity.

The love story was not only between the two main characters, but it was also an example of self-love and the love for the people within your scope of the world.

I listened to this book on Audible audio. The narrators, John Lane and Tatiana Sokolov did an incredible job bringing these characters to life.

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Refreshing and enjoyable story

Revisado: 10-21-19

On the Corner of Love and Hate by Nina Bocci is a sweet romance set in a small town. Often, this genre can be too predictable and sappy, but the opposite is true here. Bocci delivers her characters through refreshingly witty dialogue.

Emma and Cooper were once friends but something along the way severed that connection. Now, by a twist of fate, and insistence from Emma’s father, the current mayor of the town, Emma must now work closely with her former friend to help get him elected as the next mayor.

During the campaign, which is a major part of the story, I laughed at the banter between Emma and Cooper, but also wanted to shake some sense into them.

I listened to this book on Audible audio. Dara Rosenberg narrated and played out the characters expertly, making the experience of the story all the more enjoyable.

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esto le resultó útil a 3 personas

So much more than the average steamy romance

Revisado: 07-09-19

I listen to a lot of audiobooks. Too many to do more than rate them when I’m finished. When I do review a book or audio, it’s because the book moved me in some way and I feel compelled to voice my opinion. It’s rare that the light, contemporary, steamy romances pull me to my computer to type out a review. But here I am writing one for Everest by S.L. Scott.

I will admit, the first chapter or two was a little slow-going for me. I wasn’t sure this story was going to keep my interest. But that soon changed. Yes, Ethan was your typical twenty-something billionaire, or so we thought. There was so much depth to this character. He sacrificed his chance at happiness to protect his family and a girl he knew he fell for from the moment he saw her.

Ethan was right to care for Singer. Once he really got to know who she was, how could he not fall for her? She fell for him, not knowing he was rich and not caring once she found out. She saw him and the sad, troubled boy behind the wounded eyes. Together, they fight the demons that threaten them.

S.L. Scott took this story to a place I didn’t expect. This book broke my heart. I can’t say more, but I felt the pain, the losses, the tragedies. I couldn’t imagine life could ever be the same for these characters. This was no light story and I couldn’t imagine a HEA.

What I loved was how the author made the reader look at people in a different light. I live in NY and I’m in the city very often. The streets are lined with homeless. Do we ever stop to wonder who they were before they were on the streets? I guarantee you, you will when you are finished with this book. Everyone has a story - a life …before. Through the love and kindness and generosity of Singer, we learn those lessons. This is why I had to review this book. There is substance within the pages. Food for thought. Lessons to be learned. Tears to be shed. Joys to be celebrated.

I listened to this on audiobook. I’m not familiar with the author, but I am familiar with Sebastian York, the male narrator in this dual narration. I’ll listen to anything he narrates.

Effie Kammenou - Author of The Gift Saga Trilogy

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Haunting and sad but also beautiful

Revisado: 07-09-19

It’s often a mystery, to the ones who have never suffered the lives of an abused individual, why anyone would stay in a situation that threatens violence at any moment. At the beginning of the story we learn that Rayna had two miscarriages. As her husband beats her into a third, it becomes clear that he caused the other two as well.

What doesn’t compute at first is that David’s pattern of unwarranted rage did not begin until many years into their relationship. According to Rayna, he had always been loving. Regardless, grief stricken over the loss of another child, she can take no more and takes drastic measures to finally rid herself of the man she loved but no longer recognized.

Ravenna Young writes Rayna’s pain, conflict and heartache beautifully. Her decisions are not black and white. They are wrought with guilt and desperation, and we experience every emotion and fear along with her.

Truths and mysteries unravel slowly like a ball of yarn; those revelations both offering an odd sense of relief and understanding—and also sorrow.

I was offered a copy of the audiobook from the author in exchange for an honest review. I highly recommend the book. The writing was good and the characters, interesting. The narrator gave an adequate performance, though I wouldn’t put her in my ‘must listen to’ list of narrators. As for Ravenna Young, I look forward to reading more of her work.

Effie Kammenou - Author of The Gift Saga Trilogy

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