Astrid

Cute story with weaknesses

Revisado: 05-22-21

PRIVATE PLAYER was a bit of a mixed bag for me. While I thought both main characters were really likable I wish the author had taken the time to flesh out both characters and give them more time to establish a real bond. I felt like they met, fell in lust, spent a few days with the hero's (very likable) family and said "I love you." In those almost seven hours we had three extended open door bedroom scenes which was just too much for my taste. The writing got a little repetetive and contained Madison and Nathan thinking how much they wanted the other one. At the end of the book I thought that it was a cute story but nothing that'd stay with me for longer than my next audiobook.

Shane East is a pro and his narration is always on point. Clare Corbett is a new to me narrator but I have zero complaints. She did a fantastic job making Madison her own.

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Swoooon

Revisado: 04-19-21

This was a very enjoyable friends-to-lovers romance. Man, can you imagine being in a coma after a car accident, waking up ten months later only to find out that your jerk of a husband cheated on you with your best friend while you were out?

I adored Leif who was everything that is good and right in this world. Anna needed a good friend in her life before she could have a relationship again. Leif was smart enough to realize that. I was absolutely on board with their relationship and thought that they complemented one another. With Anna's growing independence from her husband she started to develop a backbone and I liked that Leif didn't have anything to do with her empowerment. She was a strong woman in her own right and her ex-husband and former "best" friend didn't stand a chance.
This book is short and I think it would have benefited from a little more action and depth when it came to Anna's accident. All we know is that it was a hit and run, there isn't much speculating or even talk about the guy who caused the accident. So I felt that the resolution came a little bit out of a the blue.

As always Andi Arndt does an amazing job breathing life into all characters. She's an extraordinary talent and I'll always go back her works. I haven't read REPEAT but I'll fix that stat! If you like sweet, funny, low angst stories PAUSE is a great choice. Kylie Scott's writing style is so crisp and easy to read, which makes this a fast read!

PAUSE is a complete standalone but connected to Repeat.

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It's Sarina Bowen!

Revisado: 04-16-21 El oyente recibió este título gratis

Sarina Bowen delivers reliably without failure. Pick any of her books and you'll have a good time. BOMBSHELLS, the next in the Brooklyn Bruisers series, introduces Rebecca Kattenberger's female team.

The first of the Bombshells who gets a happy ending is the team's goalie, Sylvie. Her match? Baby Bayer! Ahhhh they were perfection! Everything about them just worked. Anton Bayer needs to clean up his act, he's set on being a good teammate and determined to stay out of trouble. That's hard when you fall head over heels in lust with a gorgeous female hockey player though.
Sylvie being hired into the Bombshells feels like she's won the lottery. Her childhood friend and teenage crush plays on the Bruisers' team and she hopes that they can take their friendship to the next level. But then Baby Bayer, the trouble maker, slides into her life.

This installment introduces a whole bunch of new characters. I can see some HEAs already on the horizon. Especially Drake has caught my eager eye and I was happy to see that his book will be next! There is a a hint of supernatural in this story that I found adorable.

I had the chance to listen to the audiobook of BOMBSHELLS and was introduced to Patrick Zeller's narration. What can I say, I'm super impressed and hope more authors start booking him. He snuck right into my favorite narrators list. Together with Desiree Ketchum they make this one easy to listen to and engaging.

This is another winner by Sarina Bowen. It is cute, low-drama, sexy and irresistible friends to lovers story with humor to boot and two easy-going characters you can't help but root for. Can't wait for the next book!

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Another winner for the True North world!

Revisado: 02-22-21

STORY

Jonah wants to rent out a room in his off-campus apartment. Being on the hockey team and on a scholarship he can't afford distractions so he has a set of rules that are obligatory for his future room mate. Enter Ryann. Who, of course, is a girl, with an N too many and a missing appendage that would make her an eligible roommate. Jonah doesn't realize this little mix-up until it's too late. Ryann being the sister of the Moo U hockey team's captain makes things even more complicated.

This forbidden romance was such a hoot. I adored Jonah who is so focused and appeared to be such a grouch in the beginning but meeting Ryann with her sunny, optimistic disposition turned him into a real dreamboat. He was understanding, patient and listened to her dreams and fears. And Ryann brought the best out of him. The were yin and yang and absolutely adorable. These two had insane chemistry and while their friendship was the basis of their relationship their attraction was the spice.

NARRATION

Jason Clarke is one of the best male narrators out there so there is zero hesitation when I see a book narrated by him. His voice is one of those that can read the most boring text and still make it sound sexy. Savannah Peachwood is a fan favorite, just not mine. I can't pin it down but she doesn't always sound as natural as other narrators. That said, she does a decent job narrating Ryann.

BOTTOM LINE

This is my first book by Jaqueline Snowe and I'll be reading more by her. Her words are crisp and fit the genre.
The True North world has become one of my favorite places to be. Sarina Bowen has created a solid and fleshed out basis for other authors to set their stories in. Jaqueline Snowe's HOLDOUT was a an awesome addition. I hope there'll be a story about Ryann's big brother, he needs to fall. Hard.

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NA goodness!

Revisado: 02-21-21

Gonna be honest here, when I read college romance I want to be that young again, when you're on the cusp of adulthood but still have the bonus of being young and don't know better. Enough rambling, let's talk shop.

STORY

I loved everything about Slapshot. Kaitlyn has been burned in the past by guys using her to get to know her famous hockey star dad. So she has no reason to believe that Lex Vonne, aspiring team member of the Moo U hockey team is any different. Lex, however, is one of the good guys and he'd jump through hoops, walk through fire and climb her impenetrable walls to make Kaitlyn see how desperately he is falling for her. Kaitlyn sure is hard to convince and her trust doesn't come easily but you know once she gives it, Lex will feel like a million bucks.

Their romance was adorable. Their banter was sweet, their chemistry on fire. You get all the goodness that comes with college romance, the awesome sidekicks, some fun times with the rest of the hockey team and the prospect of more books to come in this awesome world. And btw. if you feel that the name Kaitlyn rings a bell? She's Dylan's girlfriend in Heartland and not gonna lie, I hated her in that book. I didn't think I could ever love her but damn, I did! And now I want to re-read Heartland and see if I can see her with different eyes.

Rebecca Jenshak is becoming a go-to name for NA sports romance and her stories don't need to fear comparison with the big names. If you love Sara Ney, Elle Kennedy or Sarina Bowen's stories (duh!) you'll fall in love with these characters.

NARRATION
And if you don't mind some blushing get the audiobook. Emma Wilder and John Lane's narration is sizzling eargasm goodness. I'm no stranger to Emma Wilder, who always delivers but John Lane? OMG. I don't even care what he reads, he can make chemistry formulas sound sexy.

BOTTOM LINE
I recommend this feel-good story with lovable characters whole-heartedly, whether you read or you listen to it.

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This book gave me all the warm fuzzies!

Revisado: 12-06-20 El oyente recibió este título gratis

I'm 100% sure that Sarina Bowen wrote this series for me. Or at least that's what my delusions say. All kidding aside, LOVERBOY is just another reason why I love this author so much. It just checks all my boxes.

I had the chance to listen to an early copy of the audiobook and let me tell you, Joe Arden and Vanessa Edwin are SLAYING it. You actually hear Joe Arden's twinkle in his eyes. This man has so much charisma in his voice I can't recommend his narration enough. I'm new to Vanessa Edwin and I'm very pleased to report that she did a beautiful job with her portrayal of Posy. Sometimes I find it jarring when I hear a new voice narrating the male part in a chapter (takes a couple chapters until I don't notice anymore), that didn't happen here.

Now Gunnar and Posy I adored. They have some past baggage but they weren't overly antagonistic. Their chemistry is captured in fabulous banter and I could have listened to Posy's hormones, which hijack the mic (obviously), forever.
I loved how they dealt with their past. I hate drama that comes from miscommunication and misunderstandings because characters fail to explain what bothers them. That didn't happen here at all, their past issues were handled just like grown-ups do. Calm, collected, clear. That's something that stood out to me.

Also, is phantom smell a thing? I swear, the ongoing talk about coffee made me imagine smelling coffee everywhere. And if you aren't a coffee addict and aren't the least bit tempted to at least try one after Ms. Bowen's ODE TO THE BLACK GOLD I don't know what will.

Sarina Bowen mixes romance and suspense with a dash of mystery like a pro (duh!) and the result is a thrilling, captivating read that is on the lighter side and perfect to take your mind off the heavier things these days. This series is just awesome, fingers crossed we get many more books set in THE COMPANY in the future. I had the best time with these easy-to-love characters and hope you'll give this one a whirl!

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All of the stars!

Revisado: 09-22-20

Nothing I can say about this story and the author's writing hasn't been said before but I'll repeat
it anyway. The angst, the emotions, the characters...this book was perfection. I adored Tristan and I'm coming to realize that Brittainy C. Cherry redeems jerks like no other. He went from grouch to the sweetest man. I loved Elizabeth and her daughter and I would love to read a story about Lizzy's best friend Faye but so far I haven't been able to locate any.

I can't praise BC enough. Her writing is sublime, brimming with feelings and beautiful words.

Brian Pallino and Erin Mallon do a wonderful job with their performance. This audiobook is worth every cent.

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Boy...

Revisado: 04-04-20

MZ writes beautiful stories that will linger in your heart even after finishing the book. THE BEST THING ist just another reason to love her. I adored the whole cast, starting Lennie, Jonah, Mo, Peter and a special place in my heart had Grandpa Gus. I fell head over heels for all of them. If you love really good men in books, men who are so obviously in love with their woman...Jonah is that man. Lennie's a smartypants and Gus's mini-me. The whole family dynamic was just a beautiful experience. This author is a slow writer but I don't care - she makes it worth the wait.

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Lots of drama, yet addictive.

Revisado: 03-11-20

This was my first A.L. Jackson book. I can't say I disliked it but I didn't particularly love it. I enjoyed Royce and Emily's connection despite it being super insta without any real getting to know each other. This definitely worked for me. I also love this subgenre so that's definitely in this story's favor.


One thing I really don't like is if characters obsess over something only they are privy to. There are hints at something they did and it's so bad that it will blow up in their face but what this is...well, you can only guess until you get to one of the last chapters. I really dislike authors using this tool to heighten the suspense.

I also thought it was unnecessary for Royce to never share his secret wit Emily. I know a lot was running on his plan not being exposed but why he didn't trust her is anyone's guess. When his secrets finally did blow up and it turned out that he did things for all the right reasons it was difficult for me to understand why Emily was so unforgiving. She felt used, but it was obvious that Royce didn't actually use her.

This all built up to an overly dramatic story that had a lot of "Oh God"-s and "God"-s. I need to know how many times a sentence started with a variation of Oh God.

Now, with all that being said I still enjoyed this story, it was weirdly addictive so that I was looking forward to picking it up again when I had to pause.

Of course the narrators Jason Clarke and Virginia Rose do an excellent job with their narration. I thought Jason was the perfect choice for narrating Royce, he has this deep, slightly raspy voice that fit this character well. And Virginia Rose has the sweet lyrical voice that was needed for Emily. So for these two alone this story is worth listening to.

I will definitely read more of AL Jackson, I do see the potential of liking other stories by her!

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3.5 Stars - I love grand gestures!

Revisado: 02-14-20

The last installment in this little series was everything I hoped for story-wise. We continue to follow Hunter and Presley on their scavenger hunt that makes both of them realize that love is worth fighting for. I said after the first part that I hope that Hunter finally puts Presley first. And he came through in a big way, grand gesture and all.

Overall I really enjoyed their love story and it's so fitting that we send them into their happily ever after in the week of love. I adored the epilogue and I think we can expect a story about Hunter's friend Trevor which I'm really looking forward to! I do think that making this a three part story and releasing them with just enough time between parts to lose the story's dynamic did the story a disservice. The drive was taken out of it.

All the narrators did an excellent job, although I still think Scott needs some practice to make some of his narration sound a little more natural and fluid but I'm not mad that I got to listen to him. We get a little Zach Webber and Saskia Maarleveld cameo again and they do a lovely job and really add to the experience.

I received a free copy for reviewing purposes (thank you, Audible) - my review is unbiased and my honest opinion.

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