Rainy Day Ramblings

Audiobook Review: Dashing Through the Snow by Debbie Macomber

 

 

The new romantic Christmas story from international bestseller Debbie Macomber. Ashley Davison is desperate to spend the holidays with her mother in Seattle. Dashiell Sutherland just got assigned a mission in Seattle and must arrive by 23 December. Both frantic to book a last-minute flight out of California, Ashley and Dash collide at the airport to learn that there are no flights and only one rental car available. After a rocky start, the two reluctantly agree to drive to Washington together. But their journey isn't without obstacles, and a misunderstanding with the law threatens to ruin their holiday plans altogether. Will Ashley make it home in time to surprise her mother? Will Dash report to duty as expected? And most importantly, will they both have the opportunity to discover the greatest gift of all? 
Audiobook
Published October 6th 2015 by Penguin Random House Audio Publishing Group
Source: Library

 

Three and a half stars: A fun, flirty, festive holiday read with mayhem and romance. 

Ashley Davidson is beyond frustrated. What at first appeared to be good fortune when she unexpectedly got time off and a Christmas bonus allowing her to fly home to Seattle for the holidays, turns into a headache when she finds there are no available seats to Seattle. It doesn’t help that there is an annoying man in line rushing her. Instead of giving up, Ashley decides to try and rent a car, she encounters the same problem in the car rental department. All the rental cars are gone but one, and the same irritating guy is again in line behind her. The rental agent encourages her to share the car with the man, but Ashley isn’t about to jump into the car with a complete stranger, until she finds out she can’t rent a car because she isn’t old enough. Graciously, the gentleman, one Dashiell Sutherland, offers to give her a ride. Ashley accepts after she talks to his mom to make sure he isn’t a serial killer. What follows is a holiday road trip that neither will forget. Will Ashley and Dash survive the trip to Seattle?

What I Liked:

• Dashing Through the Snow is a funny little holiday read that will make you laugh. Sure some parts are a bit absurd, but who cares?! It is fun, flirty and full of holiday cheer and it has a cute little romance. Oh, and there might be an adorable puppy on board. 
• Ashley and Dash are quite the duo. Ashley is a bit air headed, but she is cheerful, happy go lucky and incredibly kind. She is quick with a smile and a holiday greeting, and she has an enormous heart, especially when it comes to puppies. Dash is more sophisticated and uptight. He is a retired army intelligence officer, desperate to get to Seattle for a job interview. Underneath is tough guy facade, is a kind, sweet man who can’t resist a whimsical girl. I thought the two opposites were a great match. 
• I loved the mayhem that ensued on the road trip. Unbeknownst to Ashley, the FBI is on the hunt for a terrorist who happens to also be named Ashley Davidson. When Ashley shows up at the airport, she is pegged as the wanted terrorist. While Ashley and Dash drive to Seattle, they are being tailed by one maniacal FBI agent. So many little mishaps happen along the way from a run in with a motorcycle gang, to a case of switched license plates to a strange encounter with a mechanic who talks to cars and claims to be an alien abductee. It was non stop hilarity.
• The romance is all kinds of cute. At first, the two can’t stand each other. There are jibes and banter, and even a left behind party, but soon, the two find they have a great deal in common, and then the sparks start to fly. The romance was funny and sweet. 
• The ending is nice and neat. It draws to a satisfactory close without lingering questions. It seems like all is right in Ashley and Dash’s near future. 
• I listened to the audiobook version narrated by Allyson Ryan. Ms. Ryan did a wonderful job with the characters. She captured Ashley’s ditzy personality perfectly, while also nailing the male voices. I enjoyed her narration. 

And The Not So Much:

• Okay, this one has a few parts where one must suspend rational belief because some of the things that happen are a little far fetched, but it is easy to overlook because the story is fun and bursting with holiday cheer. 
• The FBI agent was a bit over the top, and I found him to be unrealistic. 
• Even though I enjoyed the ending, I found myself wishing for a little Epilogue down the road so I could find out how things settled out. 

Dashing Through the Snow is a light, fun and flirty holiday read that follows to strangers as the embark on a road trip full of mayhem and coincidence. This is an easy, breezy holiday read with a cute romance that will leave you smiling. If you want a pick me up book for the holiday, this is a fun one to check out. 

I borrowed a copy of this book from the library. All opinions are my own, and I was not compensated for this review. 

Audiobook Review: The Christmas Train by David Baldacci

 

One of America's most critically acclaimed storytellers, David Baldacci has enthralled millions with his popular novels. Showcasing his remarkable versatility, Baldacci gift-wraps a beloved holiday classic...Disillusioned journalist Tom Langdon must get from Washington, D.C., to L.A. in time for Christmas. Forced to travel by train, he begins a journey of rude awakenings, thrilling adventures, and holiday magic. He has no idea that the locomotives pulling him across America will actually take him into the rugged terrain of his own heart, as he rediscovers people's essential goodness and someone very special he believed he had lost. David Baldacci's THE CHRISTMAS TRAIN is filled with memorable characters who have packed their bags with as much wisdom as mischief...and shows how we do get second chances to fulfill our deepest hopes and dreams, especially during this season of miracles.
Audiobook
Published August 1st 2005 by Grand Central Publishing 
Source: Library

 

Four stars: A delightful holiday tale with Christmas magic, adventure, history, action, mystery and romance with a few surprises thrown in. 

Tom Langdon after a ruinous run in with airport security, finds himself on the do not fly list. It is nearly Christmas, and he must get across the country to California so he can spend the holidays with his no strings attached girlfriend. He decides to book a train trip, hoping to tap into his Mark Twain roots and write a story about his travels. What he doesn’t expect is to come face to face with an old flame, encounter a thief, make lots of new friends, survive a blizzard and learn a few things along the way about life, love and the magic of the season. 

What I Liked:

• The Christmas Train is not your typical holiday story. This tale is so much more. I liked with each turn of a chapter, I encountered a new layer to the story. This one is packed full of surprises. I loved the holiday cheer, the delightful characters, the train trip, the mystery and the twists. This is definitely one to read for the holiday season. 
• The story surrounds Tom Langdon. He is a successful reporter with a solid career, yet something remains missing from his life. When he books his train trip, he doesn’t expect to collide with his past. He runs smack into the love of his life, the girl who got away: Eleanor. I thought Tom was a wonderful character. I loved his sense of humor, his sense of adventure and his kind nature. He is always willing to step in and help. The rest of the cast proves to be just as entertaining. I adored Roxanne, one of the crew members on the train. She is a motherly type figure with plenty of sage advice, and she doesn’t hesitate to do what is necessary to keep order on her train. There are so many wonderful faces on board like the young couple wanting to get married, the boys’ choir, Ellie Jo and more. Loved the characters. 
• I was pleasantly surprised by all the history that was inserted in the story. Mr. Baldaci took his time to research this one. I ate up all the tidbits on Mark Twain, train travel and more. There was so much to learn in this one. 
• The entire train trip was magical. I was enchanted by the journey on rails. It was the perfect setting for a Christmas story. I immediately wanted to go book a train trip after reading this one. 
• I loved how the holiday spirit was captured in this one. There is magic, some miracles and plenty of festivity even under stressful circumstances. It was perfect. 
• For all the romance lovers, there is even a touch of romance. I loved that this was all about making up for a past mistake and getting it right. 
• The ending was delightful. After all the snow settles and all seems right with the world, there are some absolutely stunning twists that totally caught me off guard. I loved the jaw dropping finale! 
• I listened to the audiobook version. I thought the narrator, Tim Matheson, did a wonderful job. His voices were terrific, especially for Roxanne. I also liked the sound effects. 

And The Not So Much:

• I have to admit, even though I loved the surprise, I was a bit disappointed to find that certain things that happened were completely contrived.
• I was left wondering about the whole angle on the Mark Twain story. Did it get finished? 

The Christmas Train wasn’t your run of the mill Christmas story. Yes, there is plenty of Christmas cheer, some snow and romance, but there is also mystery and history and a few stunning twists thrown in to surprise you. This was a delightful read and I appreciated that it was unique. Definitely grab the audiobook if you can get your hands on it. 

I borrowed a copy of this book from the library. All opinions are my own, and I was not compensated for this review. 

Audiobook Review: The Afterlife of Holly Chase by Cynthia Hand

 

On Christmas Eve five years ago, Holly was visited by three ghosts who showed her how selfish and spoiled she'd become. They tried to convince her to mend her ways.

She didn't.

And then she died.

Now she's stuck working for the top-secret company Project Scrooge--as the latest Ghost of Christmas Past. Every year, they save another miserly grouch. Every year, Holly stays frozen at seventeen while her family and friends go on living without her. So far, Holly's afterlife has been miserable. But this year, everything is about to change. . . . 
Audio
Published October 24th 2017 by HarperTeen
Source: Publisher

 

Three and a half stars: Move over Ebenezer Scrooge, here comes Holly Chase.

Holly Chase is a selfish, pampered, spoiled rotten teenager, who delights in making other people miserable. Then on Christmas Eve, she has what she believes is a strange dream. She is visited by three ghosts who try and show her the error of her ways. Does she listen? Nope! Then the unthinkable happens, Holly dies. When she wakes up, she finds herself in Manhattan working for a top-secret company called Project Scrooge. Holly plays the role of the Ghost of Christmas Past. Each year, the company selects a miserable, selfish person hoping to change them. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t. Holly’s awful afterlife is about to take a new path when this year’s Scrooge is revealed. Will Holly be able to help the new Scrooge?

What I Liked:

• I admit, I am a huge fan of A Christmas Carol so I was excited to pick up Cynthia Hand’s new version of the classic tale. You know what? I had a lot of fun with this new take on an old tale. It was funny, fun and out of the box. If you want something different for the upcoming holiday season, try this one. 
• Holly Chase is a selfish, spoiled brat, and she knows it. She is miserable inside and out, and she tends to take out her misery on those around her. Even after she dies, she is still not repentant. I know you may be thinking, then why would I want to read a book with a terrible main character? You need to read this because Holly is well written, entertaining, and she is not your average character. I didn’t like her at first, but then once I understood her and got used to her snark, I liked her a lot. Of course, she grows and changes, and that is fun, but I liked both versions of Holly. 
• If you are a fan of A Christmas Carol, you will get a kick out of all the nods to the classic. I liked seeing the team at Project Scrooge trying to identify all the characters from the original cast in the current Scrooge’s life. Big props to Ms. Hand for successfully refashioning the old classic into something fresh and new. 
• I was pleased how this one played out. I was especially surprised on how the romance fit into this one. It was unexpected. 
• The ending is wonderful. I liked that it was a surprise and that it worked out nicely. No big loose ends or unanswered questions. 

And The Not So Much:

• Ms. Hand is known for her adorable romances, so I went into this one expecting a cute romance. I was disappointed in the romance. It was not what I anticipated, and it never really worked for me. However this is also not a completely bad thing because this book is not about the romance, and it made sense at the end. 
• If you are not a fan of Christmas Carol this book will not be for you. It borrows heavily on the old tale.
• Like I mentioned, Holly Chase is a character that requires extreme patience. I couldn’t stand her at first. She grew on me and I ended up liking her a lot. Don’t pick this up expecting a fluffy, sweet main character, Holly is unapologetic about her behavior. 

The Afterlife of Holly Chase is what happens when a Dickinson classic collides with present day. This is a fun refashioning of a holiday favorite. I liked the creativity in the revision as well as the nods to the classic. Holly is a character that requires patience, but she will grow on you. This is a light, fun read perfect for the holidays. 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own, and I was not compensated for this review. 

 

Audiobook Review: Kill The Farm Boy (The Tales of Pell #1) by Delilah S. Dawson & Kevin Hearne, Luke Daniels (narrator)

In an irreverent new series in the tradition of Terry Pratchett novels and The Princess Bride, the New York Times best-selling authors of the Iron Druid Chronicles and Star Wars: Phasma reinvent fantasy, fairy tales, and floridly overwritten feast scenes.  Once upon a time, in a faraway kingdom, a hero, the Chosen One, was born...and so begins every fairy tale ever told.
This is not that fairy tale.
There is a Chosen One, but he is unlike any One who has ever been Chosened. 
And there is a faraway kingdom, but you have never been to a magical world quite like the land of Pell.
There, a plucky farm boy will find more than he’s bargained for on his quest to awaken the sleeping princess in her cursed tower. First there’s the Dark Lord, who wishes for the boy’s untimely death...and also very fine cheese. Then there’s a bard without a song in her heart but with a very adorable and fuzzy tail, an assassin who fears not the night but is terrified of chickens, and a mighty fighter more frightened of her sword than of her chain-mail bikini. 
This journey will lead to sinister umlauts, a trash-talking goat, the Dread Necromancer Steve, and a strange and wondrous journey to the most peculiar “happily ever after” that ever once-upon-a-timed.
Audio length: 12 Hours and 38 Minutes 
Audible Audio
Published July 17th 2018 by Random House Audio
Source: Publisher

 

Three stars: A slapstick comedy with a plethora of puns. It’s funny but the humor gets to be a bit much after awhile.

In a faraway Kingdom in an average barnyard filled with muck and poo, an unlikely hero is born when a pixie with one blue socks appears to a farm boy and his goat and proclaims that the Chosen One has been born. Thus, starts a plucky adventure when the Chosen One sets out to wake a sleeping princess in a cursed tower. Along the way, the Chosen One collects a ragtag band. There is a bard who is cursed so she appears as a giant bunnylike creature, an assassin who is terrified of chickens, a Dark Lord who wants to destroy the Chosen One, but he isn’t very dark and evil, he prefers the quiet of his house and good cheese, a mighty female fighter who wears an uncomfortable chain-mail bikini and a Sand Witch. Will this unlikely group of would be heroes conquer their quest?

What I Liked:

• To be perfectly honesty, I expected to absolutely love Kill The Farm Boy because it is co written by Kevin Hearne. While I wasn’t head over heels for this one like I hoped, I will say that it provides plenty of hilarious moments, a crazy casts of characters and a plethora of puns. If you are in the mood for something light and funny with a strong Monty Python vibe, this is one to check out. I highly recommend the audio version.
• What makes this book shine, in my opinion, are the eclectic characters. There is the Chosen One, who is absolutely hilarious, I won’t go into details because you need to experience it for yourselves, the cursed female bard who appears as a giant bunny like creature, a female assassin who abhors chickens, a Dark Lord who really isn’t that dark, a Sand Witch, yes, a witch that lives in the sand and commands crabs, and a mighty female warrior who wears bikini chain mail. I loved that there were so many female characters in this one and that they all had some hilarious quirks. Seriously, this cast is unforgettable.
• If you like slapstick humor, this one has a buttload of it. Prepare for ridiculous puns, risqué innuendos, such as a whole dialogue on the Morning Wood forest, and plenty of humorous jabs. Even though I grew tired of some of the humor, I will admit, that I appreciated the cleverness of the jokes and the creativity of the puns. You will find yourself snickering a time or two, unless you don’t appreciate puns and slapstick humor.
• I liked the silliness of the book. It is always light and funny. There are lots of adventures, and the gang encounters many different types of creatures such as giants, trolls, the Dread Necromancer Steve, witches and cursed creatures and more.
• The book ends with a terrifically funny ending. It was unexpected but just right for the book. I liked the way everything settled out.
• There is a touch of romance in this one, and it is different and fun. I will let you experience for yourself. I enjoyed it.
• I listened to the audiobook version narrated by the brilliant Luke Daniels. If you have not experienced Daniels work, you are missing out. Mr. Daniels does a phenomenal job with the voices in this one. I wouldn’t have enjoyed this one nearly as much if I hadn't listened to it. If you are going to read this one, I highly recommend the audiobook version.

And The Not So Much:

• I found that after awhile, I grew tired of the over the top humor. If I listened for lengthy periods, my mind would start drifting, and I lost track of what was happening. The puns and jokes are rapid fire, and I think that there is too much. A reader can usually only handle so much silliness.
• There were a couple of surprise deaths in the book, that came out of nowhere and they didn’t fit. I am not sure why two of the characters were killed off the way they were, it just didn’t work.
• I wish the plot was tighter. The story ranges all over the place and it lacks focus, which made it harder to follow.

Kill the Farm Boy is a book I wanted to love, but unfortunately the plethora of puns, rapid fire jokes and over the top humor grew wearisome after awhile. This is a silly book perfect for fans who love slapstick humor and clever puns. It is funny, but best read in smaller doses. The audiobook is brilliant. If you are going to read this one, I think the audiobook is a must.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own, and I was too compensated for this review.

Audiobook Review: Diamond Fire (Hidden Legacy #3.5) by Ilona Andrews, Renée Raudman (Narrator), Emily Rankin (Narrator)

 

Nevada Frida Baylor and Connor Ander Rogan cordially invite you to join their wedding celebration. Summoning, weather manipulation, and other magical activities strictly forbidden. Catalina Baylor is looking forward to wearing her maid of honor dress and watching her older sister walk down the aisle. Then the wedding planner gets escorted off the premises, the bride’s priceless tiara disappears, and Rogan's extensive family overruns his mother’s home. Someone is cheating, someone is lying, and someone is plotting murder. To make this wedding happen, Catalina will have to do the thing she fears most: use her magic. But she’s a Baylor and there’s nothing she wouldn't do for her sister's happiness. Nevada will have her fairy tale wedding, even if Catalina has to tear the mansion apart brick by brick to get it done. 
ebook, 160 pages
Published November 6th 2018 by Avon Impulse
Source: Publisher

 

Five stars: A terrific novella featuring Catalina coming into her powers. Loved it!

The big wedding between Nevada and Connor is now just days a way, and the pressure is mounting for Nevada’s two younger sisters: Catalina and Arabella. Nevada has turned into a bridezilla so the wedding planning has fallen to the two younger Baylor girls. Catalina quickly finds herself drawn into an investigation when Connor’s mother asks her to find a family heirloom that has likely been stolen by a family member. As Catalina hurries to recover the crown, she finds that she must use her magical siren powers, something she has hardly ever been allowed to do. Yet if she doesn’t murder and mayhem could disrupt the wedding. Will Catalina and Arabella manage to save the day? 

What I Liked:

• Oh how I love the Ilona Andrews writing duo. I was beyond thrilled when I found out there was a novella in the Hidden Legacy series that is all about the wedding of Nevada and Connor. I was surprised that this was more about Catalina finding her powers than the wedding, but nevertheless, it was a fantastic read. Loved it!
• The story starts from Nevada’s point of view, and then it changes over to Catalina. It took me a bit of time to settle into Catalina’s perspective but it didn’t take long before I loved her fiercely. Catalina is a young adult who is grappling with uncertainly about her future and her powers. During the mayhem of the wedding planning, Catalina is forced to step up and wield her powers that she has long suppressed. It was a delight to see her succeed and to watch her find her way. She is a force to be reckoned with. I can’t wait to see more of her siren powers in action!
• There was so much treachery and ugliness going on behind the scenes. It was fascinating to see who was up to what evil plan. It was a thrill to see Catalina uncover all the culprits. 
• I was surprised by Connor’s mother. I wasn’t sure what to think of her at first, but I quickly fell in love with her too, I can’t wait to see more from her. She is a formidable woman. 
• All the Baylor gang is present, and there are some fun scenes with Catalina, Leon, and Grandma Frida. I love the Baylors. 
• The ending is terrific. All ends well, but there is a tantalizing tidbit left dangling for a spin-off series featuring Catalina. I can’t wait! 
• I listened to the audiobook version narrated by Renee Raudman and Emily Rankin. Ms. Raudman who is the voice of the Andrews books, starts off the book narrating Nevada’s point of view, but then Emily takes over as Catalina. It was a switch, and it took me time to adjust to a different narrator, but by the end, I was sold on Ms. Rankin. She does an excellent job with the characters. 

And The Not So Much:

• The book opens with Nevada and Connor and then shifts to Catalina. I was a bit disappointed that Nevada is out of the picture aside from some mentions here and there. I wish she had been more present, and when she is mentioned, she is a bridezilla, which I wasn’t a fan of. Nevada doesn’t strike me as a bridezilla.
• I want to more about the Italian guy that Catalina is fixed upon. He appears at the beginning of the book and then there is no more. I need to know more about this guy and why Catalina feels like she does. 
• I was a tiny bit disappointed that Renee Raudman didn’t narrate the entire book, I am used to her voices. Ms. Rankin did a great job, but it was adjustment to switch to another narrator. Not sure why there was a change?

Diamond Fire is more than a novella. This is another fantastic edition in an outstanding series. I loved that this one was all about Catalina finding her way and coming into her powers. The wedding was a fun backdrop, and the scheming and scandalous behavior of Connor’s relatives was hilarious. Even though this a novella, it packs a punch, and it was a fantastic story. Don’t miss this one! I need more. 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own, and I was not compensated for this review. 

Read the series:

Review: The Glitch by Elisabeth Cohen

 

Shelley Stone might be a little overwhelmed. She runs the company Conch, manufacturer of a small wearable device that attaches to the user's ear and whispers helpful advice and prompts. She's married with two small children, Nova and Blazer, both of whom are learning Mandarin. She employs a cook, a nanny, a driver, and an assistant, she sets an alarm for 2AM conference calls, and occasionally takes a standing nap while waiting in line when she's really exhausted. Shelley takes Dramamine so she can work in the car, allows herself ten almonds when hungry, swallows Ativan to stave off the panic attacks, and makes notes in her day planner to "practice being happy and relatable." But when Shelley meets a young woman named Shelley Stone who has the exact same scar on her shoulder, Shelley has to wonder: Is some sort of corporate espionage afoot? Has she discovered a hole in the space time continuum? Or is she finally buckling under all the pressure? Introducing one of the most memorable and singular characters in recent fiction, The Glitch is a completely original, brainy, laugh-out-loud story of work, marriage and motherhood for our times. 
Audio CD
Published May 22nd 2018 by Books on Tape
Source: Publisher

 

Two stars: An interesting book that goes no where. 

Shelley Stone is the corporate executive for Conch, a company that makes small computer devices that attach to the ear and provide all kinds of advice, think Siri or Alexa for all day every day. To get where she is today, Shelley is dedicated and driven. Her days are meticulously mapped out, her schedule is constant and she has little time for anything other than work. Then things take a strange turn when her daughter disappears, and Shelley seems to run face to face with her former self, and worse Conches begin to malfunction. What is going on in Shelley’s perfect life?

What I Liked:

• The Glitch is a hard books for me to review. It was interesting and unique, and the main character is a head trip.
• Shelly Stone is a character who will likely make you laugh or drive you crazy. I found her funny because she is so out there. Shelley is driven, to the point where she is almost maniacal. Her inner dialogue shows what a head trip she is. To me she is funny, even though she is annoying. I know that she will likely alienate some readers, but I saw her as an example of what not to be. 
• The story is convoluted and weird and a lot of stuff happens, and I must admit, I finished the book scratching my head wondering what the heck it was all about. However, the main take away message is that you need to live your life and not get caught up in social media and electronic devices and career. Be present in your own life and take control of your own life. This is an eye opening read as to how detrimental technology can be. 

And The Not So Much:

• This is a book that I struggled with because it seemed to have no direction. There are several story threads that come and go, and none of them are the main story thread. The book is all over the map. It needed focus. For me, it ended up being a chaotic mess. 
• I really wanted to like this book, but I can’t. It just went nowhere. The reveals are ridiculous, and I ended up not liking this one at all. 

The Glitch started out interesting but it quickly fell off track. The main character is a head trip, and the plot is twisted and convoluted and it lacks focus. I finished the book wondering what the heck I just read. The only thing I gleaned from reading this book was to be present in your own life. Sadly, this is a book I cannot recommend. 

 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own, and I was not compensated for this review. 

Audiobook Review: The Exes' Revenge by Jo Jakeman

 

A wickedly dark debut thriller about three women who've all been involved with the same man and realize the one thing they have in common is that they all want revenge against him...
Divorces are often messy, and Imogen's is no exception. Phillip Rochester is controlling, abusive, and determined to make things as difficult as possible. When he shows up without warning demanding that Imogen move out of their house by the end of the month or he'll sue for sole custody of their young son, Imogen is ready to snap.
In a moment of madness, Imogen does something unthinkable--something that puts her in control for the first time in years. She's desperate to protect her son and to claim authority over her own life.
But she wasn't expecting both Phillip's ex-wife and new girlfriend to get tangled up in her plans. These three very different women--and unlikely allies--reluctantly team up to take revenge against a man who has wronged them all.
Hardcover, 342 pages
Published September 11th 2018 by Berkley Books
Source: Publisher

 

 

Three stars: A dark thriller that shows what happen when women strike back.

Imogen tries to muster up some emotion at her ex husband’s funeral. Technically, she and Phillip are still married since the divorce was never finalized, so she should be the grieving widow, but she’s not. Imogen knows first hand how controlling, manipulative and cruel Phillip really was, and she is glad to finally be rid of him. Surprisingly, over the last couple of weeks, Imogen gained two new allies, Rebecca and Naomi also exes of Phil. Were the three women responsible for his death?

What I Liked:

• The Exes’ Revenge is a dark tale of domestic abuse and revenge. This is what happens when women take control over a vile man. I enjoyed this twisted tale. I couldn’t put it down as I had to know what happened to Phil.
• The story opens with Phillip’s funeral, so the reader immediately knows that Phil is dead. The book then moves back in time, uncovering key events that led up to Phil’s death. I liked the way the author incorporated the movements in time, it worked for this story.
• The book revolves around three women: Imogen, Naomi and Rebecca, who were all involved with Phil. Imogen is the main focus of the story. At first, she is meek and mild after living with Phil for so long. As the story goes on, she digs deep and finds her inner strength. I enjoyed watching her find her voice and seeing her stand up to Phil. Her transformation is impressive.
• I was surprised by the formation of friendship between the three exes. The three women are very different, and they don’t have anything in common except for Phil. It takes awhile, but eventually, the form bonds. Girl Power!
• Phil is an absolute bastard. I liked that he was so vile and that I completely hated him. He is one of those villains you love to hate, which made the story even more appealing. I must admit, I was shocked a time or two at how low he stooped.
• The book builds and builds with suspense, keeping the reader on the edge of their seat. Was Phil murdered, and if so did the women do it? I had to know!
• The ending is terrific. After the dust settles, all the story lines are completed. No unanswered questions or dangling story threads. It ends in a good spot, and I was pleased with the way it all played out.

And The Not So Much:

• I was expecting more twists and turns. This one doesn’t have them. It reads fairly straight forward with no big surprises.
• This was an interesting read, but not one that was mind blowing or original. It ended up being a rather ordinary read. I wanted more.
• I struggled a time or two with the decisions made by the women and wondered why the authorities weren’t called.

The Exes’ Revenge is an interesting book, but it isn’t a thriller by any means. This one doesn’t have any mind blowing twists or turns, and the big secret that the villain is dead is revealed from the get go, the only question left to uncover is how he died. I enjoyed the book, but it wasn’t anything unique or mind blowing.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own, and I was not compensated for this review.

Audiobook Review: Josh and Hazel's Guide to Not Dating by Christina Lauren

 

Hazel Camille Bradford knows she’s a lot to take—and frankly, most men aren’t up to the challenge. If her army of pets and thrill for the absurd don’t send them running, her lack of filter means she’ll say exactly the wrong thing in a delicate moment. Their loss. She’s a good soul in search of honest fun. Josh Im has known Hazel since college, where her zany playfulness proved completely incompatible with his mellow restraint. From the first night they met—when she gracelessly threw up on his shoes—to when she sent him an unintelligible email while in a post-surgical haze, Josh has always thought of Hazel more as a spectacle than a peer. But now, ten years later, after a cheating girlfriend has turned his life upside down, going out with Hazel is a breath of fresh air. Not that Josh and Hazel date. At least, not each other. Because setting each other up on progressively terrible double blind dates means there’s nothing between them...right? 
Audible Audio, Unabridged (7 hrs 16 min), 7 pages
Published September 4th 2018 by Simon & Schuster Audio
Source: Publisher

Four stars: A cute, zany romance that is drama free. Light and fun. 

Hazel Bradford has never followed the crowd. She runs with scissors, colors outside the lines and beats to her own drum. Perhaps that is why she has never had a long term relationship. Things change when Josh comes back into her life. Hazel first met Josh in college. She lusted over him and then barfed all over his shoes. Then she sent him an unforgettable email after wisdom teeth surgery. Needless to say, Josh probably thinks Hazel is a bit zany. When Hazel learns that Josh is the brother of her best friend, Emily, she decides she and Josh should be friends too. Hazel and Josh embark on a friendship, that morphs into trying to set each other up on the perfect date. The dates always seem to end in disaster, perhaps because they are ignoring what is right front of them?

 

What I Liked:

• If you haven’t read a book by the Christina Lauren duo, you don’t know what you are missing. This latest book by the dynamic writing team, delivers a fun, flirty friends to lovers romance without drama and angst and plenty of comedic moments. This is just what you need when you need a light, fun read. This book will drag you out of a rut. 
• Let’s talk about the characters: Josh and Hazel. Hazel is unlike any character I have read before. She is the definition of quirky, zany and eccentric. Hazel brings hilarious chaos wherever she goes. She has her own unique style, she often forgets to censor herself, and she is flat out fun. It took some time to adjust to her, but after awhile, I fell in love with her craziness. Josh is the complete opposite of Hazel (opposites attract, right). Josh is organized, calm, kind and loyal. At first, he shies away from the Hazel tornado, but then he also falls in love with her quirkiness. I loved how patient Josh was, and that he never lost his cool with Hazel, even when she smacked him with an umbrella. 
• The romance is adorable. It is a slow burning friends to lovers romance. It takes a long time to get there, and when it finally blossoms, it is perfect. I loved that the relationship was built on a firm friendship, and that Josh and Hazel talked about all things. When it turned romantic, it felt genuine and perfect. 
• I liked that this book featured out of the box characters. Josh and Emily are American Koreans, and I loved the way their culture and their characters were depicted. Josh’s mother was adorable. I also loved that Hazel and her mother were women who weren’t afraid to be themselves. Neither Hazel or her mother worried about their appearance and how others would view them. So refreshing. Finally at the end, there was the introduction of a little boy who loved to wear princess costumes, and his parents were totally fine with the way he expressed himself. Big props to the authors for bringing us diverse characters. 
• I loved that this book was without all the drama and angst. The romance, for the most part, is conflict free. There was a tiny moment of hesitation, but I never doubted that it would work out. I loved that this was light and fun the whole time. 
• The ending was sweet and satisfying. At first, it was jarring the way the Epilogue jumped forward a few years into the future at a pivotal moment. I was anxious at first, but then things were explained and I was happy. I liked getting a peek into the future and seeing how things worked out. 

And The Not So Much:

• Hazel may not be for everyone. Sometimes she felt a little unrealistic. However, I quit worrying about it after awhile and just enjoyed the book. 
• I wish that Emily and Dave had a bigger part. I was especially curious to learn why Dave thought they wouldn’t have children??? I loved Emily and Dave. I especially liked how supportive Emily and Dave were.
• I listened to the audiobook version, and I didn’t like the narration at all. The male narrator, Tood Habberkorn, did a terrible job with the female voices. His voice for Hazel sounded like a comedian doing a bad female impersonation. I cringed every time he did Hazel’s voice. The female narrator was much better, but I felt like her voice didn’t capture the quirkiness of Hazel. This is one audiobook I would recommend skipping. I think I would have enjoyed this far more if I had read it. 

Josh and Hazel’s Guide to Not Dating is the kind of romance you need to read. This book is light, fun and flirty. It is relatively drama free, which makes it more of a delight to read. I loved the unique characters, the cute romance and that this book left me with a big goofy grin. One hesitation is that the audiobook was not well done, the male narrator’s female voices were terrible. Read this versus listening to it. 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own, and I was not compensated for this review.  

Audiobook Review: Sadie by Courtney Summers

 

Sadie hasn't had an easy life. Growing up on her own, she's been raising her sister Mattie in an isolated small town, trying her best to provide a normal life and keep their heads above water. But when Mattie is found dead, Sadie's entire world crumbles. After a somewhat botched police investigation, Sadie is determined to bring her sister's killer to justice and hits the road following a few meagre clues to find him. When West McCray—a radio personality working on a segment about small, forgotten towns in America—overhears Sadie's story at a local gas station, he becomes obsessed with finding the missing girl. He starts his own podcast as he tracks Sadie's journey, trying to figure out what happened, hoping to find her before it's too late. 
Audible Audio
Published September 4th 2018 by MacMillan Audio
Source: Publisher

 

Five stars: A raw, unflinching book that takes on molestation. It is tough to read, yet in these times, a must read. Don’t miss the audiobook version. 

Sadie is running away. She has one thing on her mind: to find the man who murdered her younger sister and bring him to justice, even if that means forfeiting everything. She will make this happen, no matter the cost. After Sadie disappears, West McCray, a podcast personality, ends up taking up the case. He chases down the clues, following Sadie’s path. What he finds is disturbing, and it makes him rethink everything as he races to find out what happened to Sadie?

What I Liked:

• Courtney Summers is one of those authors who knows how to grab your emotions and run them through the wringer. I love that her writing is powerful, emotional, brutally honest and raw. This latest book: Sadie is more proof as to how brilliant Ms. Summer’s writing is. In these times of turmoil and trouble as many question the brave survivors who continue to come forward with their stories of sexual abuse, this is a book that should be read and discussed. 
• This book is troubling, at times disturbing, but it drives home the point. Sexual abuse is ugly, and it hurts many people every day, and more often than not, the perpetrators go unpunished. What I loved about this book, was that Ms. Summers never gave the dirty details when it came to the abuse. She danced around the topic, giving troubling clues for the reader to piece together what happened. The book was brilliantly written. It packs a brutal punch. 
• Sadie is one of those characters that you won’t forget. She has had a tough life. Her mother is a neglectful alcoholic, who ignores her. She has a stutter that alienates her, and she comes from the wrong side of the tracks. Worse, she is the victim of sexual assault. She is troubled, determined and forgotten. My heart ached for her, especially as the details of her dark past came to light. I admired her fierce determination and her courage as she attempted to hunt down the man who destroyed her life. I so wanted things to turn out for her. 
• This book takes on the horrific topic of molestation and sexual assault. I applaud Ms. Summers for writing this book, especially in these turbulent times. The way she handled the topic was masterful and brilliant. Instead of laying everything out with all the nasty details, she lets the reader draw their own conclusions, which I think makes it all the more impactful. I am in awe of Ms. Summer’s skills. Read this!
• I loved the format of the book. It isn’t a straightforward narration. You do get Sadie’s view points, which reads like a regular narrative, but then her voice is interspersed with the investigation by West, the podcaster. I loved how the story was uncovered via the podcast, interviews of people, and more. It was masterfully done!
• I cannot recommend the audiobook enough. The audiobook was amazing. I appreciated that it incorporated numerous voices for all the characters. This was one of the best audiobooks I have ever listened to. If you can listen to this one, do it!

And The Not So Much:

• The ending was left open. Again, the reader is left with many clues to attempt to piece together what happened to Sadie in the end. If you are an optimist, there is the tiny sliver of hope that maybe things turned out okay. If you are a pessimist, you will imagine the worst. I don’t know, I liked that Summers left it up to the reader, but then a part of me hated that it was open. 
• There is nothing pretty about this book. It is dark, sad and troubling. It is painful to read this story, and many will avoid it as they don’t want to delve into this horrible subject matter. Don’t read this. 

Sadie is a book that was tough to read, but so important. In this era of #MeToo, it is all the more impactful. Read this, discuss this and share it. Sexual assault and molestation are not topics anyone wants to talk about, but we must. Thank you to Ms. Summers for writing this brutal and raw book. 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own, and I was not compensated for this review. 

Audibook Review: The Simple Wild by K.A. Tucker

 

City girl Calla Fletcher attempts to reconnect with her estranged father in rural Alaska, and unwittingly finds herself torn between her desire to return to the bustle of Toronto and a budding relationship with a rugged pilot in this masterful new romance from acclaimed author K.A. Tucker. Calla Fletcher wasn't even two when her mother took her and fled the Alaskan wild, unable to handle the isolation of the extreme, rural lifestyle, leaving behind Calla’s father, Wren Fletcher, in the process. Calla never looked back, and at twenty-six, a busy life in Toronto is all she knows. But when Calla learns that Wren’s days may be numbered, she knows that it’s time to make the long trip back to the remote frontier town where she was born. She braves the roaming wildlife, the odd daylight hours, the exorbitant prices, and even the occasional—dear God—outhouse, all for the chance to connect with her father: a man who, despite his many faults, she can’t help but care for. While she struggles to adjust to this rugged environment, Jonah—the unkempt, obnoxious, and proud Alaskan pilot who helps keep her father’s charter plane company operational—can’t imagine calling anywhere else home. And he’s clearly waiting with one hand on the throttle to fly this city girl back to where she belongs, convinced that she’s too pampered to handle the wild. Jonah is probably right, but Calla is determined to prove him wrong. Soon, she finds herself forming an unexpected bond with the burly pilot. As his undercurrent of disapproval dwindles, it’s replaced by friendship—or perhaps something deeper? But Calla is not in Alaska to stay and Jonah will never leave. It would be foolish of her to kindle a romance, to take the same path her parents tried—and failed at—years ago. It’s a simple truth that turns out to be not so simple after all.
Audible Audio, Unabridged
Published August 7th 2018 by Simon & Schuster Audio
Source: Library

 

Four and a half stars: A heartfelt story of forgiveness and love as a young girl reconnects with her estranged father in the Alaskan wilderness. 

Calla is content and busy with her life, that is until the day she is laid off from her banking job. Then an unexpected phone call comes from Alaska. Her father, whom she hasn’t seen in 24 years or spoken to in twelve, is sick with cancer. Calla decides to go and visit him, not knowing what awaits in Alaska. Calla, a city girl, soon finds herself battling against the wilds of Alaska. The rugged wilderness of Alaska is not for the weak or faint of heart. Calla battles hordes of mosquitos, exorbitant prices, lack of gourmet coffee and worst of all, a cocky pilot named Jonah who doesn’t hesitate to put her in her place. After a week, Calla’s view of Alaska has changed. Will she find her heart and home?

What I Liked:

• Ms. Tucker is known for writing amazing romances, and I think this book is one of her best to date. I liked that this one refrained from heavy drama and angst, and I adored the Alaskan setting. If you are a fan of K.A. Tucker, this is a must read, and if you haven’t read her, you need to read this. 
• I must admit, Calla early on is not an easy character to like. She is spoiled and pampered and selfish. Once she gets to Alaska, she begins to open her eyes and grow. By the end, she was a girl that I liked. 
• In my opinion, the best part of this book was the Alaskan setting. I have never been to Alaska, so I enjoyed exploring the state vicariously. Ms. Tucker does a phenomenal job of bringing Alaska to the reader. There is breathtaking scenery, wonderful characters and a lot of hardship that many of us in the lower forty eight don’t experience. I loved my book trip to Alaska. 
• Jonah is all kinds of fun. He, like Calla, is not the most likable early on. At first meeting, he is gruff, cocky and impatient. Then his layers start to peel back and you see the real Jonah. He is kind, considerate and willing to go the extra mile time and time again to help others. I loved his compassion and altruistic nature. He was amazing. 
• The romance is antagonistic. It starts with the characters completely at odds and not liking each other at all. Over time, opinions change and a friendship is born, and then the sparks fly. It was so much fun!
• I appreciated the relationship between Calla and her stepdad, Simon. It was a warm, caring and supportive relationship. Big props for a positive step parent!
• The book ends with tears and some heartache before the final smiles at the end. It was a wonderful journey, and it ended in the right way.

And The Not So Much:

• I wish that more time was spent on Calla’s father. He was still somewhat a mystery by the end of the book. I wanted more on his life, and I wanted to know him better. I didn’t think he got enough focus. 
• Even though I liked the romance, I felt like it was a bit too quick. It happens within a short amount of time. 

Into The Wild is a heartfelt book with terrific characters, an amazing setting, a fun romance and more. This is a book about family, forgiveness and new experiences. If you enjoy contemporary romances, this is one to try. I especially loved the Alaskan setting. Don’t miss this one. 

I received a copy fo this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own, and I was not compensated for this review.