OYENTE

AlohaD

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All the vibes and the BEST FMC!

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

Revisado: 03-16-25

Honestly, Catherine Cowles just can't miss. This may only be my second book of THIS series, but I went into Falling Embers already knowing I was going to love it, simply based on the FMC, Hadley.

After finishing the first book in this series, I was very intrigued with Hadley, the younger sister to Hayes the MMC of book 1. She'd obviously had it tough because of what happened to her sister, Shiloh, but we really don't know how tough until we see it here. And I have to say, I detested her mother. It was horrible the things she said to Hadley and how she was treated day in and day out while her other siblings were not. I couldn't believe her dad would let it go on. It was very hard to read. BUT, the relationship she had with her siblings, her brother's best friend and her riding crew really made her come alive.

Calder, the MMC is best friend's to Hayes and has had a mixed up past. His parents aren't around, making the Eastons his "family". He also was left to raise twin girls because of the things their mother decided to do to put them in danger. But luckily, the Eastons have been there, but most of all, Hadley. She loves Birdie and Sage as if they were her own and you could see the love in everyday actions. But things have been a bit off between Calder and Hadley for a few years and it will take some stalker actions to bring them together and realize that they can't live without one another in their lives.

From the found family vibes, to the small town living to the cute kids, I really enjoyed Falling Embers. I did have issues with some of the Eastons, but I frickin loved Hadley and her no holds bar way of living. I liked that she was an EMT, not afraid to put her life on the line for others and that she was a strong and spunky FMC that brought this story the extra something it needed with her fearless "side gig". Calder obviously had feelings for his Best Friend's sister and I'm glad that he was able to move beyond the past (which honestly seemed so off) and get with the program.

As always, Cowles gave us the suspense and I actually guessed the main one along with a side one (that was pretty obvious anyway). I loved the strength in Hadley and I ADORED those little girls. AND I loved the little taste of the older brother who just returned to town and can't wait to read his story. And finally, the audiobook was amazing as per usual. Cowles always has the best performances from the narrators for her characters. Joe Arden captured the fragile yet strong Calder, but it was Vanessa Edwin blew me away with her performance of Hadley. The strength and love was so very evident.

If you like romantic suspense in a small town between a single father and his best friend's sister who is a strong character in her own right, you are going to really enjoy Falling Embers.

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It's always been you friends to lovers

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

Revisado: 02-25-25

I'm a sucker for a single dad romance and Willow Aster is giving us a series FULL of them and I am loving it. Mixing it in with football and I'm a goner.

Reckless Love is the third book in The Single Dad Playbook series and is Rhodes and Elle's story. They've been BFFs since the moment they met in college, but timing and life never lined up for them to pursue more. Have you ever had that friend that you've friend zoned because you don't want to ruin the great thing you have going? Well, that is what Elle does and it seems to work for them for over 10 years. They end up being "just friends", even though they both harbor deep love for one another. Everyone can see it. But they just don't give in. Until one Friendsgiving, Rhodes goes for more and hopes it's the step in the direction he wants it to go in.

With a friends to lovers story, you gotta feel the angst or understand the past. Aster gave us a story with dual timelines that gave us pieces of the past to understand how our MCs have gotten themselves into the situation they have. I could understand Elle's reasoning and what she needed to do in order to survive, but man. Those two belonged together! And Rhodes? That man is pure sweetness. He would do anything for his Elle-love and his son Levi. Who, btw, is the cutest little 4 year old ever!! Those 2 steal the show for me, even though Elle had a huge secret she was keeping from everyone.

I really enjoyed the whole collective cast of characters and have to give major props to the friend group that has become family. I love each single dad and the women they fall for who bring everyone together. They love and support one another, which only makes each couple's story that much more stronger and lovable. Elle and Rhodes relationship just seemed easy, even though it was anything but. Their love, respect and support for one another was truly special and the backbone for everything.

And I must take a moment for the casting of the audiobook. Angelina Rocca and Sean Crisden were perfection. Sean brought Rhodes' character to life with that smooth like butter, almost cocky, but loving and understanding performance. And Angelina gave Elle this sweet, yes sexy feel to our girl and it really balanced each character out. Just loved their casting and their performances for the characters.

If you like:
Friend groups/found family
Sports romance
Small town romance
friends to lovers
with a touch of fake dating
You will enjoy Reckless Love.
Now I'm super excited for the next book, because you gotta love a grumpy/sunshine combo. ;)

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Hot dang!

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

Revisado: 02-01-25

Contracted is the 3rd book in The Agency series and dare I say it might be my favorite? All these books are complete standalones, but trust me. Once you read one, you'll want to read them all.

We've met Eve and Max in previous books as Max is part of The Agency. He's successful and his work is his wife. He's ambitious and willing to succeed at all costs. When he meets Eve, he's immediately enamored with her looks and they have off the charts chemistry. Eve is stylist and BFF to James from book one. She's darn good at what she does and she's hungry for success. She not only matches Max's enthusiasm for work, but their sexual chemistry is beyond! But what happens when one of them want more?

This one had all the spiciness with how much Eve was open to anything with Max, but after 2 years of the same thing, things began to change and evolve. I honestly loved these two and the way they were really open with one another in one aspect, but not in another. I understood Eve and the fact that she wanted more from their relationship even if it seemed all was perfect. And Max thought that all was good. Living coast to coast and seeing each other when they could. It worked. Until it didn't. I kind of wanted to hit Max upside the head a few times so he could see that he might ruin the best thing he'd ever had. But it was nice for both of them to work at their own pace and come to their own conclusions. Marni gave them not only the spice, but a journey that worked for them and I loved it.

Contracted is steamy, but also had emotions coming to play after awhile and that gave the story a good balance. I really loved Eve and Max overall and appreciated the audio that went along. Both narrators did a good job with their characters and gave these two life. I could feel the heat AND how their emotions and thoughts changed throughout by their performances. Ms Mann brought the heat, but gave us a relationship that had to change in order to continue and I loved that.
Can't wait for Scarlett's story!

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Check your triggers.

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

Revisado: 01-23-25

I one-click Mia Sheridan's books blindly and let her take me where she will. Either with her contemporary romances or her darker books and The Broken Places was no different. Just be warned that the content and subject matter in this book is dark and even a little relevant which makes it more troubling.

Lennon is part of the SFPD and is involved in multiple cases that may or may not be linked. There are murders taking place that all have some sort of new drug involved. Could a serial killer be on the loose? Or is this something else completely?
After her most recent partner leaves to live a more quiet life with their spouse, Lennon is set up with Ambrose as a partner. He's from the FBI and it looks like she may even be training him a bit when it comes to murder cases. They have an immediate connection and seem to work the cases quite well together. They go beyond what is right in front of them. Connecting the cases on a more emotional base.

The Broken Places is told in dual POV as well as dual timelines going back in time with a patient that is experiencing a debilitating trauma. With a cast combining the police force, family, victims, a podcaster, a patient, unhoused people, sex workers and addicts, this story combines a little bit of everything that all has to do with the present predicament Lennon and the SFPD finds themselves in. The past and present collides along with the secrets that Ambrose is keeping from Lennon until everything comes to an explosive head connecting everything in a very unsettling way.

Right from the beginning, I was immersed into this gripping and dark world. I loved Lennon's character and the fact that she wasn't your typical detective. She gave more of a personal and tangible feel to her character and the job she had to do. I almost felt the same way about Ambrose, but knowing he was hiding something troubled me a bit, especially when these two characters connected on a deeper level. I didn't want Lennon to get hurt as I was invested in her. So, it was nice that the author told the story from both Lennon's and Ambrose's POVs.

As I listened to the audiobook, I felt even closer to these characters and the steps they had to take to solve the connection of the murder and drugs. From the side characters to even the extra little background sounds, the production added to the overall darker feeling of the story.

With all this said, I appreciated the way Sheridan built this world and slowly gave us crumbs to put everything together along with Lennon and Ambrose. The past trauma, addiction, secrets, and betrayal of this dark "underworld" followed by love, healing and forgiveness all worked together with the overall story. It may be dark and disturbing, but it was real. And at the end of the day, there was also hope underneath it all.

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Great narrators, just wish there was more

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

Revisado: 01-23-25

Endorsed is the second book in The Agency series and does not need to be read in order. These are quick reads with characters that know what they want. And I gotta say, I love all the characters.

I'm not always a fan of second chance romances, but since Samantha and Jack had more of a whirlwind quick little affair 8 years ago, this was more of a reconnection. These two had major chemistry from the prologues, but Jack gives up Samantha because he's her brother's agent and it just didn't sit right with him. Although she thought there was more to them than the sex, she was also young and let it go.

Fast forward 8 years and their paths finally cross again. First, I gotta say...8 years and nothing?? Samantha's brother is a NFL player and Jack goes to a lot of his games. Their paths NEVER crossed? That aspect didn't sit right with me, but of course with fiction I disconnect and go with the flow. SO, as this is a second chance and once they reconnect and realize their chemistry is still off the charts, both Samantha and Jack are ALL IN. Buuuuttt, Samantha has to hold a little back because she has a secret at home.

Overall, the spice was great. The connection between the two characters was on point and I loved the fact that both of the characters were very career oriented. A little unbelievable that they never ran into one another before, but c'est la vie. Loved that we got to see the previous couple and the other agents at The Agency. It feels like we are getting a taste for everyone. As I listened to the audio of this one, I have to give major props as it was quite good (much better than the first one). Both female AND male narrators were fantastic and I loved the way they captured the characters. And I gotta show some love for the epilogue. Too darn sweet! A nice fast read/listen.

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Quick and hot listen with GREAT female narrator

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

Revisado: 01-19-25

Having read quite a bit of Marni Mann's backlist, I had been introduced to Brett and James characters, but I hadn't had the opportunity to see where they all began.
A chance meeting leads to a hot one night stand between 2 people that didn't know on thing about each other, except that they had off the charts chemistry. But they keep in touch by text, from Miami to LA, until a scandal hits and then things get turned upside down.

I love the way Ms Mann can give you two characters that don't know each other, but they have explosive chemistry from the get go. That is James and Brett. I loved that they were getting to still know each other through texts even though they were only supposed to be one night. And that scandal? Yikes. Poor James. But with an agent like Brett, I knew he would pull through in the end. I just hate that his job had him pulling back from James even though he really didn't want to. Luckily, we didn't have to wait too terribly long until his alpha came through and he had to whisk James away from a party.

If you like fast paced, age gap, workplace romance that are full of chemistry and a side of scandal that leads to a little bit of a mystery, Signed is a great shorter novel to pick up. And if you are an audio listener, the narration is pretty darn good. I preferred listening to the female narrator, Abby Craden for James. She had a voice that really captured the character and gave her that sex filled voice that also had all the emotions a starlet like her needed. She even did pretty well when performing for Brett's parts. The male narrator, C.A. Sorensen ? Not my cup of tea. Sounded older and not who I would've pictured for a man like Brett, but he did ok reading his parts

Overall, a solid fast read/listen that keeps you entertained, with a great female performance. I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series.

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Jason Clarke is the perfect Hunter

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

Revisado: 12-25-24

Beneath the Wreckage is book five in the Wrecked series and it brings the series to a close.
We come full circle with this one as Hunter was introduced in the first book as Ford's brother. Now he gets his own story.

The way this story began was heartbreaking. Two young girls on their annual trip to the island and this year they are teens just about to begin high school. On the cusp of their future. But when one of them decides to attend a party and the other stays back, their lives are forever altered.

Now, 10 years later, the girl that stayed back (Piper) comes to buy Whispering Falls, the rundown resort as a way to remember her friend that went missing on that fateful day. Of course she hires Hunter and his crew to help with construction, but she is a pretty darn capable woman herself. These two begin a friendship and work alongside one another to get things up and running, but something or someone doesn't want her at the resort and will stop at nothing to make sure she leaves.

Catherine Cowles always does a wonderful job of giving us a believable relationship that evolves over time while having the characters deal with pasts and suspense that is dangerous for all parties involved. It was no different in this final book. Piper was this independent woman that never gave in to her setbacks and loved the feel of small town life, even if it affected her strongly. And Hunter was the perfect Cowles hero. Protective, kind and treated the woman he was falling for with respect. He never once made her feel like she was smaller than him and really treated her as an equal.

I loved Hunter and Piper as a couple because they complemented one another so well. They fell into a friendship and soon a relationship so easily. I also loved the way Piper's big ole dog was such a huge part of their relationship and of the suspense. And while Cowles surrounded that relationship with awful things happening at the resort, we were often left to gather the clues that gave us a little insight into the past that left Piper's BFF more than likely dead.

This was a great ending to another romantic suspense by Cowles. I love the way she gave me two strong characters that found love and peace in one another all while fighting the horrendous things happening at the Falls. The suspense played a huge role in this one and I always enjoy the way Cowles keeps you guessing. Suspect everyone!! And if you listen to the audio, Jason Clarke was the perfect Hunter. Erin Mallon is always great in the heroines roles, but Clarke was the standout for me here.
Two series down and ready to start another one.

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Troubling and intense, yet can't look away

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

Revisado: 12-16-24

I knew upon picking up The Perfect Child that I was in for an intense ride. I just didn't know how horrifying the whole story would be.

This is a story of a couple, Christopher and Hannah who are a doctor and nurse and have had trouble conceiving a child. They are getting older and are now open to other ways to starting a family including adoption. When a young child (Janie) is brought in to the hospital under dire circumstances, Christopher happens to be the doctor that performs her surgery and grows to have a connection with her. The mystery surrounding Janie has her in the state's hands and needing to find a foster home. Hannah and Christopher step in and eventually feel like she has been put into their world for a reason. They would like a family and here is a young, hurt and troubled girl that needs a family. How perfect, right?

The Perfect Child is told from 3 POVs. We get to hear the story from Christopher and Hannah Bauer and from Piper Goldstein, CPS caseworker. Immediately, it is known that something terrible has happened with this whole situation between the Bauers and Janie as we get to hear from the 3 characters in alternating chapters. Christopher and Hannah's chapters lay the foundation of their relationship as a couple and what transpired from the moment they met Janie until the present. Piper's chapters are all investigative ones which tells us something horrifying happened, but we need to get everyone's perspectives leading up to the nightmare that will surround them.

I love a good thriller, but when you bring a troubled child to the mix, it horrifies me to no extent. I gobbled up this story and couldn't look away at all the craziness that ensued from beginning to end. It was frightening and horrendous and had me so frustrated with Christopher on multiple occasions. I related to Hannah in so many aspects and could feel her spiraling at their situation. And Janie? Well, what can I say without giving anything away? I am appalled and yet I couldn't look away.

I listened and read to this book and loved it each way. Whether you decide to physically read or listen to the audiobook by 3 narrators for the 3 characters, you will be in for a troubling treat. Wonderfully written that obviously made me feel all sorts of ways.

Although this whole story was absolutely crazy and terrifying, I loved it and couldn't put it down. It was a fantastic domestic thriller that shows how far you will blindly go for the love a child.

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Emotional and great blend of suspense

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

Revisado: 12-16-24

Just when I think I have a favorite book of a series, Catherine Cowles goes and ups the game with a great story full of flawed and broken characters that are looking for some sort of normal. And in that, possibly finding happiness.

Reckless Refuge is the fourth book in the Wrecked series and I wasn't sure who this story was going to be about. But we are basically introduced to two new characters that end up living together on an island outside of Anchor. Shay has been the island care taker when the current owners sell to someone that no one is familiar with. While that scares Shay since she is hiding from a past that literally broke her and her family apart, she wants to be able to keep her job since this is the only place she has felt safe in years.

Brody is an artist that comes from NYC. He made a name for himself there, but when something horrific took away his love of his art, he feels like he must make a drastic move and basically run away to a secluded island across the US that he purchases to hopefully bring back his creativity and live peacefully.

The forced proximity situation between employer and employee was perfect for Shay and Brody's situation. Both of these people had been haunted by pasts that they would rather leave behind and that had their souls calling to one another. Their attraction was immediate, but I loved watching their trust and friendship grow over time. It wasn't easy, especially for Shay to open up, but the older Brody made it comfortable and put her at ease. SO much so, that she opened up to more people. And those people happened to be the previous characters we met in the first three books of the Wrecked series. I loved not only watching a relationship evolve between 2 new characters, but also getting to visit past characters that I fell in love with.

And no Cowles book would be complete without some sort of suspense, and boy was this one a bit more dark. From Shay's past and what she was hiding from to Brody's past that seemed to follow him, we got some murder and suspense brought to the doorsteps of these small islands in Washington state. That heightened every part of the emotional aspect of this story and had me afraid for Brody and Shay and how their happiness would be achieved.

I absolutely loved this book from beginning to end. There was no lull and the pacing was perfect. The suspense and secrets were woven into the romance seamlessly and I literally could not put this book down. Not only was the story great, but if you listen to the audio, Ava Erickson and Sebastian York did a tremendous job of bringing each emotion these characters carried and made you feel a part of their journey. I couldn't have loved this one more. A new favorite of the series? I guess so.

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Great deal for 3 books!

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

Revisado: 12-14-24

3 books, 1 credit! can't beat it!

Great narration for 3 romantic suspense books. 3 friends finding love on the small Washington island of Anchor. Can't wait to listen to the last two books.

Book 1, Reckless Memories bring all the emotions. From sadness, to love, to frustration, to happiness. You get it all. Mix that with a dose of suspense and you have a recipe for a great beginning to a brand new series.

If you enjoy: Friends to lovers, second chance romance with a side of forbidden, all set in a small town with a dash of suspense, Bell and Ford's story will surely hit the spot. And if you like audiobooks, all of Cowles books are fantastic. Told in dual POV and performed by Andi Arndt and Joe Arden, they brought the characters to life and brought you into the small island town of Anchor. I can't wait to continue my Catherine Cowles journey!

Book 2, Perfect Wreckage:
As with almost any Cowles book, we got the found family and small town romance aspect that played out so perfectly in Perfect Wreckage. I love all the characters and the way the supporting characters play their roles for the MCs so well. This story didn't have a real suspense aspect, but we definitely had evil lurking, just in a different way. It was the drama that played the side role to the romance. And that evil had my toes curling. Let's just say that I despise entitled people.

Overall, this book is a great addition to the Wrecked series and I am loving all the girlfriends stories and their journeys to finding love. The friendships are strong and help push the story and series forward. And the audiobook to go along with the book? 2 great performances from Maxine Mitchell and Joe Arden. They both really captured the uniqueness of each character and brought this story to life. Looking forward to continuing my Wrecked series read/listen.

Book 3, Wrecked Palace is the third book in the Wrecked series and I have to say, it may be my favorite so far. It's emotional, filled with family and love and of course, has that suspense factor.

I think my favorite part of this particular book was the family aspect. How the unconventional family came together for each other and protected one another. How it grew and added the quiet, yet gentle giant into the fold. The love there was so very special, sweet and slow. And the slowness was something I appreciated. It allowed everything to build at a very real pace. You got to see two people that were strangers slowly get to know one another and become friends above all else. The acts of love and the way the children opened up to Griffin had me squeezing at my heart (the bracelet? iykyk) Add in the mystery and the excellent supporting characters from past books and of course the amazing children that were so vital to Caelyn and Griffin's lives and you have a total winner.

I'm loving this series, the characters and the emotional pull these characters have on me. I can't wait to continue the series.

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