OYENTE

Janine Birt

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Heart melting Insta-Dad

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

Revisado: 04-22-25

Part of a larger series and I had so much fun going back into the world, but if you're starting here, that's ok too. The standalone is strong and what you need to know is explained or revisited.

The perpetual bachelor of the family never goes on more than 2 dates with the same person, and now his amazing one night, wedding fling, has returned with the cutest baby that is most definitely his. Now Hendrix is an instadad with all the protective vibes (and none of the instincts). He's trying but not always succeeding, and it's got all the squishy feels, massive laughs and gross out moments going along the way.

Raven needs to meet some specific conditions to get access to her trust fund and marrying the father of her child for a few months is an easy way to ensure she's taken care of. But watching him become dada, becoming a solid parenting partner (as long as it doesn't involve poop or puke) and helping her meteorological dreams come true, is making the temporary nature of this marriage of convenience harder to imagine walking away from.

The audiobook was performed by Stephanie Kay and Aaron Shedlock. Stephanie was so wonderful to listen to as Raven. She had some fantastic emotional moments in the mom-journey and Raven's personal journey. The balancing act over what mom wants vs. what's best for baby, how to protect herself but also be open to opportunities, there was a lot to play with and it was great to be along for the ride. Aaron was adorable as Hendrix, the reactions to various biological functions when you haven't had the preparation of pregnancy (also straight into 6month old baby diapers... that stuff is toxic at times), the personal battle for focus and energy (family vs. football), plus the movie quotes... so many fun moments that I can't wait to listen to again.

I requested and was provided with an advanced copy of the audiobook. These are my honest opinions.

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The final Hollis sibling gets their HEA

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

Revisado: 04-22-25

It's bittersweet to see this series close. I'm so happy to have the final story and what a pay off it is after seeing Wilder in the background of his siblings' stories and especially the impact his life had on his twin brother Waylon's story. You will definitely have the biggest impact if you read from the beginning, but if you only have time for one story before this one, make it book 4 Waylon's book.

Be kind to yourself and review the trigger/content warnings. There are some heavy topics discussed but nothing appears on page like it did in previous books, everything is looked at through conversation and memory with a lens of time. Mental health is important, be aware and understand your limits.

Wilder and Delilah have had a much longer past than anyone could have guessed. We find out in the beginning that she helped him through his darkest times and struggles with his depression but they didn't know each other IRL at that time, only over the phone. A fake name and a nick name were the closest they got to knowing each other but 6 months of emotionally raw conversations put the firmly in each other's minds. When fate crossed their paths again, she would be dating his twin brother...

The complexity of the pining Wilder had for Deli was intense and the way she made him a better person by just existing, it's so powerful. When they eventually get drunkenly married in Vegas, that's when the real fun starts. Wilder doesn't want to let her go once he has her, he does absolutely everything in his power to protect her from beginning to end and prove that his feelings are real. He wants to make this all work and that is seen in his commitment. He fell first, he fell *hard* and he's not letting go of her. I LOVE it!!

The audiobook was performed by Avery Caris and Teddy Hamilton. They did such a great job with Brooke's words. I felt the intensity of every emotional peak, from deep mental health conversations and discussions of grief, to smexy times and acts of devotion and confessions of long held secrets. These two did an amazing job with this story.

I requested and was provided with an advanced copy of the audiobook. These are my honest opinions.

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Slow Burn, Brother's BFF Grumpy/Sunshine

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

Revisado: 04-21-25

Great standalone ability within the series and larger Adriana world (it's allll connected!!!). I never felt overwhelmed or like I was missing anything because of which books I have or haven't read.

I had so much fun listening to this one. I'm a sucker for sibling's best friend and in this case Carys is Gannon's brother's BFF. For as long as grumpy Gannon resisted his attraction, the tension was incredible. And then, we get moments when she texts the wrong brother, and she's got BFF on one side and grumpy protector on the other, it just made me so freaking happy when they broke and got together (even if they were still keeping it a secret from extra needy Tate).

I will say, the burn on this one is on the slower side, the reveals on some of the tropes is later than I would have thought, but at the same time the payoff when we got there was organic, well timed and very rewarding.

The audio was performed by Angelina Rocca and Jack Calihan. Angelina was so moving as Carys, there was so much range to play with and I giggled at times with how much fun I think she must have been having with these characters. Jack was great at Gannon, I really enjoyed the grumpy resistance he brought to the character, the inner debate and turmoil as he tried really hard not to give in to his long fought desire for his younger brother's best friend. When he broke and gave in, it was so very enjoyable to hear.

I requested and was provided with an advanced copy of the audiobook. These are my honest opinions.

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One-Night-Stand Returns turned Fake Engagement

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

Revisado: 04-15-25

Book 4 of the series but you can start anywhere. Harlow's standalone score is high in my opinion. You will have more side character payoff if you read in sequence, but it's not essential.

Parker and Cashlynn had a travel fling one year ago. Parker didn't know who she was, or how tightly connected to his life she was... until she showed up asking him to pretend to be her fiancé so she could rebuild her life the way she wants without the critical judgement of her father (Parker's boss!!!).

This was so much fun to listen to. The chemistry between Cashlynn and Parker was off the charts, but Parker's past relationship trauma was firmly in the way of them letting something develop. I loved the way Parker's siblings and their significant others pulled Cashlynn into the fold. The girls immediately helping her plot/scheme to break Parker's composure and "Hands Off" rule, the way they gave her tips on how to get him to open up (based on their experiences), it was so much fun.

The audiobook was performed by Emma Wilder and Teddy Hamilton. They both did an amazing job bringing these characters (the whole cast of craziness) to life. Emma had some emotionally intense moments and some hilariously light performances. I loved every second of her interacting with the other ladies. In the same moment I want to acknowledge that Teddy and the guys was a good time too, the way the guys tease each other but also support was heartwarming. Teddy brought some complexity that hit me in the feels when dealing with Parker's emotional baggage and self repair/development. The pacing/timing of some of these revelations left me a little upset to have to stop reading, but that's also what made me drive forward. Good job Harlow!

I requested and was provided with an advanced copy of the audiobook. These are my honest opinions.

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Romantic Suspense meets reality cooking show.

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

Revisado: 04-04-25

This was a fun listen for me. The romance burn was super slow but the intrigue of the reality cooking competition sabotage/murder investigation just gripped me. I'm a child of 80s and 90s who-done-it TV shows and I love solving a good mystery. This one was just a fun and brought me that warm fuzzy nostalgia feeling.

The audiobook was narrated by Samantha Brentmoor as our lawyer by day with a passion for cooking heroine taking a break from her unfulfilling life to chase her dream of making a life for herself in the culinary world. I enjoyed her sleuthing skills, analytical thoughts and mouth watering food descriptions. Cassie also has some trust issues and independence trauma that caretaker Evan helps her though. Shane East is our aimlessly adrift spare royal Evan, he's looking for purpose and when his best friend asks for help, he's there to help however he can, as long as his true identity stays hidden. He falls quickly for Cassie who is drawn to him for his true self. Evan wants to care for her, protect her and hopefully have her fall for him too... crown and all.

I requested and was provided with a copy of the audiobook, these are my honest opinions.

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Second Chance, but make it count (& communicate!)

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

Revisado: 03-31-25

Book 3 of the series, you can read it on it's own. But for the biggest impact and emotional payoff, I recommend reading the series in order.

Forrest and Shauna's story is one that really shows the power of communication. But also, that if it's meant to be, it will be. After planning their whole future while still in high school, Shauna makes choices without telling Forrest the whole truth that put them on a course that ends with them no longer together. 15 years later, they cross paths 2 weeks before Shauna is set to marry someone else.

I loved how Forrest took a chance and put himself out there to go after Shauna. Even if it took him until she was ready to walk down the aisle to make it happen. It was the push Shauna needed to get off the fence and admit to herself (and everyone else) that this wedding was not what she wanted.

It was frustrating, but understandable, for these two to go slow once back in each other's orbits. But again, they need to communicate their thoughts and feelings before they can move ahead. They've created a catch 22 situation. It's a long time before they realize that, the lights finally go on and the real conversations start happening.

There were a lot of super cute moments that prove that even though some things change, some things never will and you just need to be open and honest (with yourself and others) in order to be able to move forward in life. Life finds a way, fate finds a way and if you let something go that was meant to be yours, it will come back.

Performed by Angelina Rocca and Dane Anderson. They bring a fantastic continuity to the series since they do the whole shebang. I adore Angelina's performances, she brings such depth of emotion to her characters and you can feel the turmoil and vulnerability. Each woman has their own flair/flavour that is carried through the series. Dane has a deep rumble to his voice that makes all the swoony dirtiness these men say to their women just melt your earbuds. He made each brother distinct and recognizable.

I felt the emotional peaks and because of when I was listening, I started my day with the emotional climax of the book and it just flattened me. I absolutely LOVE when a performance makes me FEEL in that way. Especially when I'd already read the books and knew exactly where the stories were going, it still hit me with all the feels.

Thank you so much to Harlow James for letting me listen early. I requested and was provided advanced copies of the audiobooks, these are my honest opinions.

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Firefighter Cowboy Marries Single Mom

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

Revisado: 03-31-25

Book 2 of the series. You can read it without book 1, but there is more depth if you've read in sequence.

I am swooning over Walker. This man is ah-maze-ing! He's a firefighter, he's a cowboy (that teaches kids to ride horses!), he's good to his momma, he wants to take care of Evelyn, protect her and he offers to marry her so that her daughter doesn't loose both her parents. He Fell First! And he cooks!!!! Did I mention his bedrooms skills? Done, I'm done!! The man is perfection and is my favourite Gibson brother.

What starts as a Marriage of Convenience becomes so much more once Walker gets past Evelyn's walls. She is so wounded by a past she doesn't share that a bunch of her personal defenses and sensitivities don't make sense to him until she opens up. Evelyn worked so hard to start her new life, but she still lives behind walls. She stands up for herself and her daughter but she doesn't show the world that behind it all she's vulnerable and timid and so incredibly scared to trust. Seeing her open up and start to believe in Walker's feelings, it's so incredibly beautiful.

Performed by Angelina Rocca and Dane Anderson. They bring a fantastic continuity to the series since they do the whole shebang. I adore Angelina's performances, she brings such depth of emotion to her characters and you can feel the turmoil and vulnerability. Each woman has their own flair/flavour that is carried through the series. Dane has a deep rumble to his voice that makes all the swoony dirtiness these men say to their women just melt your earbuds. He made each brother distinct and recognizable.

I felt the emotional peaks and because of when I was listening, I started my day with the emotional climax of the book and it just flattened me. I absolutely LOVE when a performance makes me FEEL in that way. Especially when I'd already read the books and knew exactly where the stories were going, it still hit me with all the feels. Walker is my fave of the brothers so there was a lot of expectation from me with this performance, Dane did not disappoint. He made me love Walker even more!!

Thank you so much to Harlow James for letting me listen early. I requested and was provided advanced copies of the audiobooks, these are my honest opinions.

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Friends to Lovers with a meddling twin... sign me

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

Revisado: 03-31-25

Series Starter, you don't need to know anything going it. This is my first book from this author and I really enjoyed it. I will be exploring her back list for sure.

In this story we have Wyatt and Kelsea, friends since before they could walk, best friends that pined for each other since the hormonal teen years (or earlier), and completely unwilling to do anything about it for fear of losing their friendship (or in Kelsea's case, her entire found/extended family). Wyatt's twin brother Walker decides to play cupid (or the devil depending on how you look at it) and stir the pot to help these two face their feelings. He shows Kelsea some attention and makes Wyatt realize it's time to make a move, or potentially lose Kelsea forever.

This is a great story of family (blood and found), friendship as a foundation for more, the power of brotherly competition, fighting for and chasing after your dreams. We also get some top notch steam, some deep feels and inner turmoil (the chasing dreams kind) and when it's necessary amazing grovel and grand gestures. I experienced the beloved 4am tears reading the last 15% of this book.

Performed by Angelina Rocca and Dane Anderson. They bring a fantastic continuity to the series since they do the whole shebang. I adore Angelina's performances, she brings such depth of emotion to her characters and you can feel the turmoil and vulnerability. Each woman has their own flair/flavour that is carried through the series. Dane has a deep rumble to his voice that makes all the swoony dirtiness these men say to their women just melt your earbuds. He made each brother distinct and recognizable.

I felt the emotional peaks and because of when I was listening, I started my day with the emotional climax of the book and it just flattened me. I absolutely LOVE when a performance makes me FEEL in that way. Especially when I'd already read the books and knew exactly where the stories were going, it still hit me with all the feels.

Thank you so much to Harlow James for letting me listen early. I requested and was provided advanced copies of the audiobooks, these are my honest opinions.

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Absolutely Bingeable Audio Boxset

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

Revisado: 03-31-25

All 3 books in the Newberry Springs series in one place. All of these books individually were 5 star reads for me and put them all together in one place... especially in AUDIO and I'm super excited for everyone to listen and pick their favourite Gibson Brother (Walker is mine... just so you know).

Included in the set are:
1) Everything to Lose - Kelsea & Wyatt (Childhood Friends to Lovers, Meddling Twin/Fake Dating)
2) Everything he Couldn't - Evelyn & Walker (Single Mom, Marriage of Convenience, Guilt/Loss)
3) Everything but You - Shauna & Forrest (Second Chance, Wedding Crash/Runaway Bride)

All three of these heroes are walking green flags. They are super loyal and utterly devoted to their ladies (even when the ladies don't know it). We have 3 brothers who love their mama, know how to ride horses and work the family ranch as a second job. Plus, when they get to the bedroom, the things these men say will slay you.

The women are sassy and put the guys in their place when needed. They go for what they want (with the exception of saying it out loud early so the guys are on the same page), they support each other and make me want to be part of their group.

Add in some delightful family meddling, a few road blocks that help solidify feelings for those in doubt and side characters you love to hate, it makes this series delightfully bingeable. Harlow does a great job of threading elements through the whole series and firmly setting up the next story at the end of the one before, you are very invested the whole way through.

The audiobooks (there are 3 jammed together in this super awesome budget friendly box set) are performed by Angelina Rocca and Dane Anderson. They bring a fantastic continuity to the series since they do the whole shebang. It's so easy to just roll right through from one book to the next with barely a breath between (see above about bingeable qualities). I adore Angelina's performances, she brings such depth of emotion to her characters and you can feel the turmoil and vulnerability in each woman, but also they are all different. Dane has a deep rumble to his voice that makes all the swoony dirtiness these men say to their women just melt your earbuds. He made each brother recognizable and took me through their emotional journeys with impact.

I felt the emotional peaks from all the characters in each story and every single book's peak made me cry. Because of when I was listening, I started my days with the emotional climax of a book and it just flattened me. I absolutely LOVE when a performance makes me FEEL in that way. Especially when I'd already read the books and knew exactly where the stories were going, it still hit me with all the feels.

Thank you so much to Harlow James for letting me listen early. I requested and was provided advanced copies of the audiobooks, these are my honest opinions.

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I did not expect to love Grady as much as I do.

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

Revisado: 03-29-25

Book 3 of the Carrington Cove series but it can be read as a stand alone. Biggest impact will come from reading in sequence, but if you want to start here, in my opinion, you totally can.

I was not prepared for how much I was going to fall in love with Grady Reynolds. I am in a tug of war with myself over deciding if I love him more that Walker so I've chosen not to choose. I love them both (as I love all of Harlow's men). Grady is a true gem in how head first he dove into impending fatherhood for his unborn child AND took on the task of trying to bond with (slowly and organically without forcing anything) Scottie's teenage son. Grady was a swoon worthy hero in this story doing everything possible to win both mother and son over to his desired goal to be a family.

When it comes to pregnancy portrayals in books, I love when everything feels so real and relatable. And this one steps to the plate and hits it out of the park (yes, I'm using baseball analogies, it works for this book, trust me!). I found myself equal parts amused and sympathetic to the plight of Scottie as she grew a human inside her. Pregnancy aside, Scottie was very guarded and didn't want to make the same mistakes twice. I felt her pain and fear so much and was very glad when Grady was able to get behind those walls.

The audiobook was performed by Samantha Brentmoor and Sebastian York. I love Samantha and the way she balanced the emotions involved in Scottie's journey, it was so well done. I was so deeply involved in her feelings and wanting to be inside Scottie's head. And Sebastian is a wonderful grump and though Grady starts out as a massively grumpy grump, he doesn't stay that way and the evolution from gump to devoted partner/future dad was so much fun to experience. These two really were perfectly cast for these roles and I can't wait to listen to them multiple times in the future.

I requested and was generously provided with an advanced copy of the audiobook. These are my honest opinions.

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