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Wonderful!

Revisado: 10-16-24 El oyente recibió este título gratis

At this point in my life, I’ve read so many books that I have a hard time separating many of the characters and storylines within them. I’ll see a book jacket and think, “Oh yeah…I read that one.” However, the details are sometimes a blur. Their plots and protagonists have gotten muddled together over the years, and I find it hard to remember the bits and pieces of their stories. Sometimes something will stir a memory from a story I’ve read, but I can’t quite recall the specifics. I’ll think, “Was that the story by Melissa Brayden or Georgia Beers? Was the main character’s name Quin?” I’ll try and dig back in my memory, but it’s futile. Occasionally, it will drive me to do a Google search. Oftentimes, however, I’ll just shrug and move on. Every now and then, though, I’ll read a book that separates itself and stands out. I’ll be able to recall the characters with supreme clarity. A Wish Upon a Star by Jeannie Levig will remain that way for me.

That being said, I want to make one thing clear: just because I don’t remember a book’s characters or plot doesn’t mean it’s poorly written or not worth mentioning. Many of the ARCs I’ve read go on to win Goldies, Lammys, etc. However, I am constantly reading; I read over 100 books a year. As soon as I finish one, I move on to the next. Over time, characters and story worlds begin to blend together—it’s as simple as that. But like I said, every now and then a book comes along and punches you in the “feels,” stirring emotions that won’t let you forget its characters. I’m sure Leslie, Erica, Siena and Gus will take up space in my head for a good, long while.

This is the second book of Levig’s that I’ve read. Her writing style is wonderfully inviting. Her characters feel like friends, and readers care about them. Their relatability supplies the storytelling with so much emotional depth, making it engaging as well as compelling. Furthermore, the character development is remarkable. She never rushes it. She’s always “showing” the reader who they are, letting things unfold at a pace that feels right for the story. I find this so appealing. I’m able to care about each character’s journey in a way that feels personal and heartfelt. When authors can make the storytelling resonate like this, the narrative sticks, making it a more memorable and satisfying read. That’s exactly what Levig did with this book.

A Wish Upon a Star was originally published in 2018. Bold Strokes recently decided to release it as an audiobook, and I’m so glad they did. Paige McKinney’s voice complements the narrative perfectly. She brings the characters alive, especially Siena. Siena has ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder), and McKinney’s performance conveys everything Levig pours into her. No doubt, the job was made easier by Levig, though. She scripts Siena with thoughtful and attentive care, masterfully developing her layers with genuine insight and compassion. Readers’ hearts are tugged at every time she enters the story.

Speaking of tugged hearts, Levig’s characterization of Gus can’t be praised enough! He is a dog like no other, and her use of him as a secondary character is brilliant. He provides a unique lens through which to explore unconditional love, patience, and understanding. His loyalty and companionship transcend Leslie, Erica, and Siena’s flaws and failings. The bond he has with each of these characters reveals so much about them. Readers see their strengths as well as their weaknesses, and it adds a sense of warmth and compassion to the storytelling that’s quite endearing. However, it’s the bond he shares with Siena that’s most moving. Through their relationship, readers are able to appreciate the innocence of childhood and the impact of ASD. Gus acts as a confidant and a source of comfort for Siena—a touchstone, really. He influences the emotional landscape of this story in ways very few secondary characters do, providing warmth, humor, and compassion. I could write a whole essay on him, but know this: he’s a driving force in this narrative and a profound reminder of the powerful ways dogs enrich our lives.

The romance between Leslie and Erica is a slow burn, but it has a nice heat once it moves beyond friendship. Both characters are very likable, and that’s one of the reasons readers want to see them together. Levig is wise to take her time in developing the romance; there is a child involved. Readers would question Erica’s priorities if she jumped too quickly into something with Leslie. Levig knows she has to do the work, expose vulnerabilities, build the tension, and create the passion—and it’s effective. It gives the romance time to develop in believable ways. Then, once it does happen, not only are the readers ready for it, but the characters are as well.

Final remarks…

This is a well-written romance. Levig just gets people (and dogs). She nails their quirks and idiosyncrasies—the “what makes them tick”—with finesse. What’s more, she understands the nuances of their relationships. Readers see this in the well-scripted scenes she creates. She patiently paints pictures with her words, and readers feel a part of the storytelling. It all makes for a very lovely read. If you like slow-burning romances between two relatable and warm characters, then A Wish Upon a Star will not disappoint.

Strengths…

Well-written
Likable characters
Fantastic secondary characters
Heartwarming storyline
Very enjoyable story

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Enthralling!

Revisado: 10-07-23

This story is fantastic and Lori Prince’s narration brings it to a whole other level. The inflections and the voice range..just phenomenal!! She has Stacy Lynn Miller’s story to work with though and it is first-rate stuff. The characters are fabulous and the story arc is beyond compelling. Miller hooks listeners with the perfect balance of tension and release; it keeps one listening well into the night. I enjoyed every minute of this audiobook, and I can’t wait to see what’s next for Dax and Rose. Two thumbs up all the way!!

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Fantastic!

Revisado: 06-14-22

Markinson and MacLeod never seem to run out of great ideas or new ways to tell stories. The London Love Story is proof of that. The multi-segmented story was originally published on the Kindle Vella platform by the duo in early December of last year. The 80 short installments, or episodes, were such a success that they decided to publish it in its entirety as a full length novel and as a audiobook.

For those unfamiliar with the Vella platform, it is a new offering from Amazon. The platform affords authors the ability to share serialized stories as ebooks with readers over an extended period of time, much like a soap opera stylized television series does. Though new to this platform, Markinson is not new to the idea. Her Girl Love Happens series was constructed with the same concept in mind. She’s released 3 books, or seasons, of this series thus far. MacLeod, too, has taken advantage of this multi-segmented storytelling style. Her Love’s Encore series is a story told over the course of three books.

In preparation for the ebook and audio distribution of London Love Story: Season 1, Markinson and MacLeod turned the Kindle Vella episodes into 16 chapters. At 430 pages, there’s a lot packed into this hefty book. However, the pace and flow are masterfully designed, generating immediate interest in the characters, setting and plot. As well-crafted and constructed Markinson and MacLeod’s new brainchild is, the real pièce de résistance lies in their collaboration with Lori Prince and her fiancée Marisa Calin. Markinson and MacLeod’s choice for narrators was wisely picked; Prince and Calin’s performance is nothing short of phenomenal. Their delivery and timing is pure perfection and their voice work is top-notch. They breathe personality into the storytelling; it’s absolutely refreshing and makes for a fabulous listening experience.

The story itself is set in London and centers around four women. It’s a lesbian soap opera of sorts with its scenes fading from one main character to the next. Friends and family of these intriguing leading ladies help elevate the drama and tension quite effectively, making the overall story arc more than fun. Season 1 of this tale ends with all four leading ladies’ arcs in cliffhangers, but Markinson and MacLeod promise to return shortly with more. They also promise to conclude the entire series with a HEA for each of the wonderfully complex and compelling women. However, it’s my hope that fans of this series don’t see that too soon! It’s also my hope that Prince and Calin return to narrate all future seasons!

Final remarks…

I love this collaboration between Markinson, MacLeod, Prince and Calin. The writing duo gives Prince and Calin so much to work with inside the constructs of this story, and these two narrators really run with it! Their performance not only enhances Markinson and MacLeod’s writing, it adds texture and color to each character and their respective narratives. A London Love Story: Season 1 is two thumbs up entertainment all the way. The writing is solid, the romance is fun, the sex is steamy and the narration is beyond fabulous. I hope to see more from all of these women.

Strengths…

Wonderful, enjoyable characters
Immersive story world
Intriguing, entertaining plot
Impressive narration
Playful and fun storytelling
Steamy romance

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Fantastic!

Revisado: 12-24-21

Miranda MacLeod and T.B. Markinson are one dynamo collaboration team! Each time they sit down together they create magic on the page! They established something quite wonderful with their first book Holly & Ivy and it’s only grown better with each book. Their writing chemistry is remarkable and jumps right off the page. They each bring something unique to the table and they seem to understand how to use it to their creative advantage. Best of all, the results always yield reader satisfaction. The AM Show, their latest collaboration, is something not to be missed by any red-blood lesfic rom-com fan. It is their best yet.

Amanda and Dakota are fantastic characters. They each have the kind of traits a reader can really sink their teeth. Amanda is icy, sarcastic, sharp-tongued and bossy. But, she’s not all bad; Markinson and MacLeod give her a soft side, one that saves cats and protects the dignity of aging co-workers with a fierce loyalty. She’s compassionate and caring to those she values and trusts. She has the kind of depth and dimension readers like to see in ice queens. However, all that frost melts the instant she meets one Dakota Washington.

Dakota is utterly adorable. She’s fun-loving and easy-going. Her compassion and kindness naturally draws people to her, especially when she flashes them her sweet smile. She easily earns people’s trust and people like being around her, especially Amanda. Amanda finds her completely charming and can not resist her. In fact the pull is so strong, Amanda is even willing to risk her career to spend time with her.

The chemistry between these two ladies is off the charts. Amanda and Dakota’s romance is nothing short of charming and delightful. There’s an age gap between the two women that works to enhance not only the romance, but the storytelling. It provides the story arc with a real degree of substance, one that makes the romance stand tall and look gorgeous.

I first read the print revision of this book and I absolutely enjoyed it. When the audio version came out, I grabbed it. With Lori Prince as the narrator, I knew it was going to be good, and boy was I right! She does an exceptional job narrating this book. Prince is the perfect choice for this book. Her skills as a narrator make MacLeod and Markinson’s work simply shine.

Final remarks…

MacLeod and Markinson hit a home run with this one. This romance has a little bit of everything: comedy, drama, mystery, and sex. The audio version is exceptional. Lori Prince does a masterful job of narrating it, infecting her voice beautifully and creating different voices for each character. I enjoyed every minute of this book and would encourage everyone to pick it up.

Strengths…

Well-written
Compelling, likable characters
Great chemistry between the leads
Engaging and entertaining story
fun romance
Wonderful narration

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Exceptional Second Chance Romance!!

Revisado: 08-31-21

This book is phenomenal! It is without a doubt one of the best second chance romances I’ve read in a long time. The reason is simple: Georgia Beers is a master at turning the complexities of relationships, families and love into wonderful stories. She transcribes the emotions of love, heartbreak and loss with such care and reverence. Readers are drawn to her characters. They are easily able to relate, empathize and sympathize with them. Quite simply, she writes romances that readers fall in love with!

The characters in Flavor of the Month are beautifully written. I loved their humanity and vulnerability, especially Charlie’s. At her core, she is a good and decent person who simply makes a mistake at a young and vulnerable age. This mistake hurts people she loves dearly, and she is only able to truly see their hurt once she is in the midst of her own heartache. For Charlie, this story is not so much a rediscovery of her first love, but of herself.

I loved watching Charlie grow and mature during this story. I especially enjoyed her display of humility during her most awkward and difficult times with Emma. It just made this character so tangible for me. Beers has created some outstanding characters over the course of her writing career, but I believe this one might be her most remarkable.

Even though I did favor Charlie, I believe that Emma is a fabulous character, too. Emma’s pain over her and Charlie’s breakup is palatable. Her resistance to trust again is beyond understandable; she felt broken when Charlie left. I was very sympathetic to her situation and discomfort. Most of all though, I was relieved that Beers did not rush the reconnecting and rekindling between Emma and Charlie. She let it defrost slowly. Charlie’s return is unsettling and Emma needs time to adjust. They were separated by five years and hundreds of miles. Beers turns up the heat very slowly between these characters, creating a well executed story arc that is nicely paced.

Beers always makes nice use of her secondary characters, and this novel is no different. I liked how Beers utilizes Charlie’s sister Sherry. Sherry reveals to readers just how affected Charlie’s loved ones are by her move to New York and subsequent departure from their lives. Sherry gives a different perspective and fills in a bit of backstory. Her anger ultimately provides a conduit for Charlie to reflect and grow. The scene with Sherry and Charlie at the fire pit-amazing is beautifully written! Sherry’s frustration and upset really resonate, but so does her love for Charlie. It tugged at my heart.

Final remarks…

The heartbreak, beauty, and wondrous joy of love are on full display in Flavor of the Month. This second chance romance is exceptional. Georgia Beers has outdone herself with this one. I highly recommend reading it.

Strengths…

•Fantastic characters
•Excellent character development
•Fabulous character growth
•Lovely story
•Wonderful second chance romance
•Audiobook is exceptional
•Audio narrator is phenomenal

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Great story, bad narrator

Revisado: 08-31-21 El oyente recibió este título gratis

The Beach House is the stunning and poignant conclusion to a three part series co-written by Vicky Jones and Claire Hackney, and it should not be missed. Prepare for a rollercoaster ride of emotion though, as it will yank your heart and head all over the place. So beautifully and heartbreakingly written, it perfectly reflects a time and space where two women did not have the freedom to share their love for one another openly. Their love story will leave you a little breathless at times, as it is nothing short of enthralling.

Jones and Hackney do a fabulous job of developing the main characters. Shona and Chloe are captivating individuals and readers become enraptured in their story from the get-go. Their journey is filled with heartache and joy, and it tugs on your heartstrings at every twist and turn. Their love for each other is timeless, and not one that readers will soon forget.

This is a great series. I would recommend it to anyone that loves romances, especially those that are period pieces. It’s setting plays well to the story and leaves its mark on you. The three stories dovetail nicely and provide well-rounded, engrossing entertainment.

Since I enjoyed the ebook of The Beach House so much, I decided to listen to the audio version. However, this experience proved to be a bit disappointing. Though I would absolutely encourage readers to enjoy all print and ebook editions of The Beach House, I can not say the same for the audio version. The narrator is distracting and her southern accent is forced and inauthentic. Her overall performance detracted from the beauty of this book, and I found that to be a shame. The Beach House is a fantastic story and it just deserved better than this narrator.

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Amazing!

Revisado: 04-27-19

This might be my favorite Georgia Beers story! I thought Blend was but then along came The Do Over. It tugged at my heart and made me cry. It was so perfectly told. This is one that I will definitely revisit!

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Loved it!

Revisado: 04-01-19

I loved everything about this story! It had characters that were real and flawed. They possessed vulnerabilities that made them more attractive. So often you read stories with characters that are stiff and one dimensional. No so in this romantic tale. Their inner struggles felt real, not contrived. You can understand where each character is coming from and be patient as their character arc develops. The plot is perfectly paced and unrushed. The ending is nicely tied up, leaving you to sigh with satisfaction as you listen to the last word.

Paige McKinney does a subpurb job narrating this one. She guides you through the shifts in points of view with her voice quite well. You understand easily who is talking to whom and who is thinking what. She makes the story come alive for the listener.

I highly recommend this story. If you’re a Beers fan, it will most likely become one of your new favorites.

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One of the best in this genre!

Revisado: 04-01-19

This book is about so much more than sex, though there is a lot of it, so beware! However, the sex isn’t gratuitous; it isn’t a vehicle for titillation. No doubt the sex scenes are hot. They do, however, serve a purpose, and that purpose is to show the vulnerability of each of the characters and their ability to trust. It’s utilized to reveal character growth and develop the plot. It underlines the trust needed in a sexual relationship for it to be successful, productive, safe and satisfactory. It also takes a view that “kinky” can play a part in love and romance, and that your biggest sex organ is found in your head. The audio version of this story capitalizes on the smoky voice of Brittni Powers; the timbers of her lovely voice help set the stage. She does an excellent job narrating a book this genre.

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Love, love, love this story!!!

Revisado: 04-01-19

This is probably one of my all time favorite love stories. The narration is awesome. It’s like listening to a play. I really enjoy Felicity Munroe’s work. She always does a great job.

The story itself is a sweet romance that has the perfect pacing. It’s a twist on a “forbidden love” that nearly breaks your heart at times. I could listen to it a second time and enjoy it just as much! This story just sticks with you!

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